Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will hold the fourth annual Keep Kids Safe Walk/5K Run and Silent Auction at 10 a.m. May 1 in Creve Coeur Park at 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Road in Maryland Heights, Mo. The walk will close out April’s Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, also known as Blue Ribbon Month.
“Our goal is to register enough walkers so that each of the 815 abused and neglected children we served last year will have someone walking for them,” said Jerry Dunn, executive director of CASGSL. “When a child is victimized, they need a safe haven to tell their story and receive counseling, and that’s why we are here.”
CASGSL provides forensic interviews and ongoing treatment for children ages three through 17 who have been the victims of child abuse and neglect.
In 2009, CASGSL helped 815 victims from the St. Louis area. Without the help of Children’s Advocacy Services, many of these children would have undergone further trauma through multiple interviews and a complicated legal system. According to Dunn, services provided by CASGL helped reduce the effects of trauma on these children and adolescents.
Registration is $25 per person and includes a T-shirt and other giveaways. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Services.
Face painting, live music and other activities will be available for children throughout the day. Police and fire officials will be on hand to speak with children and parents.
Registration will begin at 8 a.m. at the Tremayne Shelter near boat ramp in Creve Coeur Park. Call 314-516-6798 to register.
More information:
www.caswalk.org
