As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Lowndes County is working with Prevent Child Abuse Lowndes County and various other organizations to spread awareness of child abuse across the county.

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Valdosta State Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) helped sponsor the first “Blue Day” on Wednesday to raise money for the CAC.

“Blue Day” chair and CAC volunteer Carly Floyd heard about CAC’s cause and thought it would be great for PRSSA to get involved, according to Lauren Philips, a member who informed local businesses about PRSSA’s role with CAC.

The organization hopes to raise $5000 through donations of at least $1 per person to the cause. Those who donated got a blue ribbon to wear in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“By next Monday, our Blue Day committee should have the grand total on how much the event raised for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County,” Floyd said.

The committee worked hard to make sure every department on campus received a collection of ribbons and donation containers. They hope to spread the news campus and county-wide so the CAC can make a change.

“Prior to the event, participating schools and businesses [received] donation containers, promotional materials, and blue ribbons to wear. The business and school that raises the most money will each win the ‘Blue Day Community Service Award,'” the press release reads. “On May 3, the winners will be honored at a check-presentation ceremony at the Children’s Advocacy Center on 200 W. Moore Street at 10 a.m. Georgia State Senator Tim Golden will recognize each team’s service with a plaque of achievement.”

Though the event was called “Blue Day,” those who wish to donate have until Monday to help make a change, raise awareness and raise money for the abused children of America.

The CAC is a non-profit organization run by people who want to see an end to suffering and child abuse.

“In 1995, before the Children’s Advocacy Center was established, Lowndes County had over 1,100 cases of child abuse reported to the Department of Family and Children Services. Only 310 were confirmed cases of child abuse, with twelve arrests and ten convictions,” the CAC website reads.

Due to the lack of responses and care for abused victims and those allegedly abusing, the CAC was created one year later to help care for those who have fallen under ill-watch.

The organization trained in Huntsville, Alabama, worked to meet the national and state standards, and raised enough money to begin reaching their goals.

“In the 12 years since its opening, the CAC has grown from one employee to five employees including an Executive Director, Clinical Director, Child & Adolescent Therapist, Case Manager and Office Manager. The CAC has served thousands of children and their families,” the website reads.

“The CAC provides a safe and nurturing environment where children and their non-offending caregivers can come to receive treatment and care when an allegation of abuse occurs,” the Blue Day letter of support reads.

“Children are our future, and we should try in any way we can to help them,” Philips said. “Whether it is contributing a dollar to a fundraiser, reading a book, or helping them with homework, we should inspire children, not harm them.”