April 5, 2022 – Today was the 2022 Child Abuse Wreath Lighting at the Macon County Courthouse steps.
This is done each year as an observation of the 630 children who have been abused or neglected in the community. 630 pinwheels are placed on the lawn of the courthouse to symbolize each one of the children in Macon County affected by child abuse.
Speakers at the event included Father Chris Comerford of St. James and Patrick Parish, Chief of Police Shane Brandel, Jean Moore of Child 1st Center, Julia Livingston of Macon County CASA, and Temethia Joyner and Mary Anderson of Montessori Academy for Peace.
“Child abuse has two faces,” said Mary Anderson. “It’s a dichotomy. Some children are absent and afraid to come to school, and then we have children for whom the school is their safe place. They can come to school disheveled or they may look perfect. There’s no readily identifiable face of child abuse and neglect but it comes to school every day.” she said.
The wreath above the Courthouse will be lit all month long, and the pinwheels will also be in place for the duration of April.
“Every time we do it, we all say ‘This is a lot of pinwheels.’ so people need to understand that each one represents a child right here in our community. If the pinwheels were more spread out, it would be harder to display that number.” said Julia Livingston.
So, next time you drive by the Courthouse this month, consider what you can do to help prevent child abuse.
If you suspect a child is being abused, call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-abuse.
