Dateline: March 13, 2003

PTA, Cub Scouts to hold safety fair for local kids

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The Clarendon PTA and Cub Scout Pack 437 will sponsor a Youth Safety Fair on March 25 at Clarendon Elementary from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The purpose of the fair is to educate parents and children about crime prevention, child abuse, and community services available to local families. A parent must accompany their child to the fair.

Part of the program includes viewing the movie, “It Happened To Me,” which talks about sexual abuse in children. The award winning video was produced by the Boy Scouts of America to educate children about sexual abuse and the steps they should take to protect themselves.

The video presents common situations in which sexual abuse might occur.  Professionals have reviewed the content of the video and found it suitable for viewing by children as young as six years old.  Amber Ford of Child Protective Services will be available for questions after the program. The video begins at 7:00 p.m.

Burton Memorial Library will show books that are available at the library on children’s issues.

The Donley County Sheriff’s Department will take pictures and fingerprints of the children. These cards assist law enforcement when a child has been reported missing.

The Associated Ambulance Authority will demonstrate bicycle safety and drug prevention. The Department of Public Safety will show proper seat belt and car safety seat procedures. Immunization information will also be available from the Texas Department of Health.

Other agencies including the Donley County Extension Service, Panhandle Community Services, and WIC will be on hand to discuss poison control and services available to assist families in the community.  The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department and the Girl Scouts will also have booths at the fair.