Exchange Club of Grayslake Unveils Blue Mondays Initiative
Exchange, America’s Premier Service Club, is introducing a nationwide effort to increase awareness about the Prevention of Child Abuse, by inviting the public to join its “Blue Mondays” initiative and wear blue every Monday in April in observance of this critical issue.
The Blue Ribbon symbolizes more than 3 million children who are reported to Child Protective Services each year as being abused or neglected throughout the United States.
“We want everyone to stand with us and wear blue on Mondays in April to create greater public awareness of this tragic problem, and to do what they can to make a difference in the lives of children and families,” said Sid Mobley, National Exchange Club President. Locally, the Exchange Club of Grayslake is participating in the Blue Mondays observance.
In addition the Exchange Club of Grayslake is assisting with the Blue Kids Project which will be introduced across the county. The Blue Kids Project is used throughout the state to draw attention to the issue of child abuse.
The Blue Kids project includes 3 ft silhouette cut outs of children strategically placed throughout the county. We would like to see these displayed during the month of April outside businesses, city buildings, libraries, park districts all over Lake County to raise awareness and discussion on the issue of child abuse. There will also be PSAs and press releases during the month to provide information and education on resources.
We are asking for your help and support. The pre-made cutouts cost $10.00 each. They are reusable and can be used at other events throughout the year.
By displaying a Blue Kid you will be showing your support and concern for Lake County's children.
If you are interested in becoming part of this community education effort please contact:
Pam Coleman
847-445-8239
In 1979 The Prevention of Child Abuse was adopted as the national project of The National Exchange Club (NEC). Since then, the NEC has organized a nationwide network of 75 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers, and has helped approximately 1.8 million children and over 770,000 families break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. In addition to the Prevention of Child Abuse, the NEC and its 700 Clubs across the US and Puerto Rico conduct programs to honor youth, provide community service and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
The NEC has introduced Blue Mondays pins and blue clothing to promote the program. Go to www.buyexchange.com to view items.
The Exchange Club of Grayslake is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.
The National Exchange Club – a service organization with 700 clubs and more than 21,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico – is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1911 in Detroit by businessmen who wanted to “exchange” ideas on making their community better, the Exchange Club moved its headquarters to Toledo in 1917. For a hundred years, Exchange Club volunteer efforts have supported the needs of the country and of local communities, making it the country’s oldest American service organization operating exclusively in this country.
The Exchange Club of Grayslake meets Weekly at Whitney’s Restaurant in downtown Grayslake every Thursday at 12. For more information visit: www.exchangeofgrayslake.org or call 847-979-0091.
