PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County Tax Collector’s offices are turning their attention to a heavy subject this March as they partner with the non-profit Lauren’s Kids to tackle child sexual abuse.
The Tax Collector’s office has officially kicked off a month-long campaign to raise both money and awareness for prevention programs, offering residents a direct way to contribute during their routine errands.
Throughout the month, anyone stopping by a tax collector location can support the cause by making a cash donation or purchasing the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate. Those who choose to donate will walk away with a small thank-you gift from the organization.
To add a bit of incentive, customers who make the switch to the specialty plate in March will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Visa or American Express gift card, provided by the non-profit.
The statistics surrounding the issue are sobering. Data shows that one in three girls and one in five boys in the U.S. will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. Currently, there are more than 42 million survivors in the country. However, Lauren’s Kids emphasizes a more hopeful figure: with the right education and resources, 95% of these incidents are preventable.
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The organization was started in 2007 by Lauren Book, a former Florida State Senator and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse herself. Her goal was to turn her personal experience into a framework for protecting other children and helping fellow survivors heal.
“Our team is proud to join the fight with Lauren’s Kids to end child sexual abuse,” said Pinellas County Tax Collector Adam Ross. “Protecting children starts in our communities, and this organization gives us the tools to help victims and spread awareness.”
This partnership is part of a broader initiative by the Tax Collector’s office to highlight different Florida-based non-profits each year.
Organizations are chosen based on their local impact and mission, with Lauren’s Kids serving as the second featured non-profit for 2026. Residents interested in tracking the progress of the campaign or finding more information on office locations can follow the agency on social media at @PinellasTC.
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