Today begins a special month for the advocacy network for children.
April has been proclaimed as child abuse and prevention month.
Todd Shackelford is the executive director for the Advocacy Network for Children. The network includes the Court Appointed special advocates, and the children’s advocacy center.
Shackelford says there will be a special ceremony next week in Jacksonville marking the month.
It will be held April 10th at 10 AM at Jacksonville city hall.
Shackelford says statistics show that the number of child abuse cases has risen over the past 4 to five years. The network, now in its 35th year, works to fight the problem.
He says HYVEE will help with a couple of fundraisers for the program.
The grocery store plans a couple of steak nights April 16th and 30th from 4 to 7 PM in proceeds from the sales will go to the network.
In addition, the Drink Shop in Mount Sterling and Jacksonville will donate proceeds from its sales of Blue Skies Lotus drinks from April 5th through the 11th.
Shackelford says anyone interested in becoming an advocate for children is urged to call Chris Brierton at 217-430-7329.