PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – We all have a role to play in ending sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.
This month, Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas and his team are partnering with the Florida non-profit, Lauren’s Kids, to raise funds and spread awareness to help prevent childhood sexual abuse.
Throughout August, customers visiting tax collector offices in Pinellas can show their support by purchasing the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate or through monetary donations.
Customers will receive a teal Lauren’s Kids rubber bracelet for a $1 donation or a backpack for a $5 donation. Any customer who purchases the specialty license plate this month is eligible to enter a drawing for a $50 Visa or American Express gift card presented by the Lauren’s Kids organization.
While it can be an uncomfortable topic, no one can deny its significance.
The facts speak for themselves, before turning 18, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually abused in the United States. There are over 42 million childhood sexual abuse survivors in the U.S. today, and 95% of sexual abuse is preventable through education.
That’s why organizations like Lauren’s Kids are so important. Lauren’s Kids was founded by Lauren Book in 2007. Book is a former teacher, best-selling author, Florida State Senator, and childhood sexual abuse survivor.
Book’s own traumatic experiences fueled her mission to prevent childhood sexual abuse and help other survivors to heal.
“We are honored to team up with Lauren’s Kids again this year,” said Pinellas County Tax Collector, Charles W. Thomas. “Spreading awareness about childhood sexual abuse is the first step in prevention and healing. Our team is committed to helping the Pinellas community in whatever ways we can, and we are pleased to work with such a wonderful organization.”
Donations to Lauren’s Kids will stay local, with funds going toward education and awareness programs in Pinellas County such as training and abuse prevention curriculums for local teachers. Find more information about Lauren’s Kids at www.laurenskids.org.
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