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Blue pinwheels, the national symbol of child abuse prevention, still are available for order from the Polk County Dept. of Social Services through March 11 for display during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

Individuals, businesses and community organizations can order pinwheels by calling Senior Social Work Service Manager Kim Wilson at the Polk County Dept. of Social Services at (828) 894-2100. Pinwheels can be ordered through the department until 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 11. Pinwheels also can be ordered directly from preventchildabusenc.org.

The pinwheels are 12 inches high, made from 100 percent recyclable plastic and Mylar and come in cases of 48. The Pinwheel Home Kit includes 24 pinwheels and a 12-inch-by-18-inch yard sign and stake to display as a sign of commitment to child abuse prevention. Some organizations have chosen to create pinwheel gardens, while others distribute the pinwheels to customers and friends.

Shining in the sun, the pinwheel is reflective of the bright future all children deserve. Research shows that adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, like child abuse and neglect result in toxic stress that damages children’s developing brain architecture. Supportive, nurturing relationships with caregivers, however, build strong brain architecture and are essential for healthy growth and development.

Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign to create awareness of the role all adults play in the healthy development and growth of children in the United States. The pinwheel symbolizes the childlike notions of a carefree, happy, healthy childhood and serves as a reminder of the great childhoods desired for all children. For more information about Pinwheels for Prevention in North Carolina visit preventchildabusenc.org or call (919) 388-9990.

Submitted by Polkstudents.com