Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council to participate in radiothon

AITKIN -- The Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council announces its participation in the 11th annual WJJY/COOL 103.5/B93.3/The PowerLoon 107.5 Radiothon to End Child Abuse Dec. 2 and 3.

Last year the Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council netted more than $11,227.84 from the radiothon. Because of the council's reliance on volunteers and donations, this is its major fund-raiser each year.

The mission of the Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council is to provide information about child abuse prevention and to promote healthy family relationships through education and activities in Aitkin County. The council has provided funds to help schools, local agencies and community organizations to arrange events, programs or activities that will help the residents of Aitkin County in the prevention of child abuse.

The council has disbursed radiothon funds in the following ways: theater programs for high schools and elementary schools; community events, such as "Take Back the Night"; parenting survival tips on radio; community advertising campaigns, such as information on grocery bags and informational "table tents" in local restaurants; poster and essay contests; information booths at health fairs and county fairs; brochures and videos for parent education programs; speakers for community organizations and parent groups; publicity campaigns for April "Child Abuse Prevention Month"; and newspaper stories and ads regarding child abuse and positive family interactions.

The 24-hour radiothon will be broadcast on WJJY 106.7 FM, Cool 103.5 FM, B93.9 FM and The Power Loon 107.5 radio stations from noon Dec. 2 to noon Dec. 3. People's names, pledge donations or challenges will be aired during that time.

To send a pledge before the radiothon, make checks payable to "Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota" and mail them to the Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council, P.O. Box 362, Aitkin, MN 56431. Submit all pledge information by Nov. 26.

For more information, call Sue Tange at Aitkin County Health and Human Services at (218) 927-3744 or (218) 927-6321.