1,326 Montco Children Abused In 2023, Each Honored With Pinwheel

NORRISTOWN, PA — A local nonprofit is raising awareness of child abuse in Montgomery County with a very noticeable public display.

Mission Kids Advocacy will set up 1,326 bright blue pinwheels at the Norristown Transportation Center during an upcoming event, with each pinwheel honoring a child victim of abuse whose case was investigated by Mission Abuse.

"The ceremony will display a symbolic 'garden' of pinwheels, each representing a child in Montgomery County and their journey towards healing from abuse," said Kaity Andrey, spokesperson for Mission Kids. "This visual representation underscores the importance of protecting our children and providing them with safe environments to grow and thrive."

The event, cosponsored by SEPTA, will bring together numerous local leaders, community members, and state legislators to speak about child abuse and discuss their prevention and education programs ongoing in school districts throughout the county.

Their programs bring together law enforcement, child protective services, and trauma therapists to provide caregivers and victims with more support resources.

"Every pinwheel tells a story," Mission Kids added.

Attendees at the event will include SEPTA chair Ken Lawrence, Mission Kids CEO Leslie Slingsby, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, State Rep. Greg Scott, Montgomery County District Attorney Ed McCann, Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, and Norristown Police Chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis.

Pinwheels will remain on display through the end of April. The campaign coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

If you have a concern with a child's safety or well being, call Pennsylvania’s ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.