One of the highlights of the Child Abuse Prevention Week in Frankfort was a Pinwheel Planting held shortly after noon Thursday on the west side of the Clinton County Courthouse.
“The turnout this year was amazing,” said Quinton’s House Executive Director Denise Barney, who is spearheading the week’s activities in Frankfort. “I’ve been her for the last four years and this is the biggest crowd that we’ve ever had.”
Following a prayer by Pastor Pam Ditson-McCall, Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes gave a brief speech about what this week means and what needs to happen.
“We as a community must come together and help our children, help our most vulnerable,” said McBarnes. “I believe Frankfort can start a revolution when it comes to this. I believe in the people and the work that we’re doing here and we must go onward.”
McBarnes added today’s children are the future of this community.
“We all have a part to play in this no matter what occupation we have,” said McBarnes. “The average life influences 80,000 other lives in that person’s lifetime. Get out and be a mentor to a young person. Let’s look out after them. They are our future. Let’s protect our children. They’re amazing individuals and sometimes they don’t have the family structure to support them.”
Around 75 to 100 individuals attended the event.
Another big part of Child Abuse Prevention Week in Frankfort is Blue Jean Day which will be held Friday throughout the community. This is the major fundraiser for Quinton’s House, which is a child advocacy center that helps those children who have been abused.