Several local officials spoke at a Pinwheel Planting Monday at the Montgomery County Courthouse in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
About 40 people attended to plant pinwheels, which represent the innocence of children.
Denise Spittler, CEO at Gateway Children's Services, helped organize the event, which is held annually. Several staff members and residents of the child care facility were also in attendance.
Spittler said the responsibility for preventing child abuse rests with each one of us.
"Help someone get connected (with help)," Spittler said. "That's how each one of you here today can make a difference."
Judge-Executive Chris Haddix shared statistics that show that in 2024, 532,228 children were victims of child abuse and neglect in the U.S., which doesn't take into account the many others that went unreported.
"I can't think of a more important topic to bring awareness to than child abuse," Haddix said. "It is a senseless crime that steals so much from a child often at the hands of the people who are supposed to love them the most, their parents.
"Events like this brings awareness to an issue and awareness leads to education," he added. "In this case education leads to protecting our children."
State Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, said it is the duty of legislators like himself to help protect children.
"This reminds me of my promise to always to be there for children when I can be," Elkins said. "I think this is one of the reasons I'm there."
Spittler presented state Rep. David Hale, R-Wellington, with a clock for his time spent in support of children and GCS during his tenure in Frankfort. Hale is retiring from the Legislature this year after serving 12 years.
Hale encouraged whomever who follows him in the Legislature to continue advocating for GCS funding.
"One of things they must do is work with Sen. Elkins in the House to request this money," he said. "We need to make sure they advocate for that."
Mayor Al Botts read a proclamation he and Haddix signed advocating against child abuse in the community.
Afterward, he said, "Look around, this is what a good community looks like ... citizens together to support our children for a better today and tomorrow for them."
Spittler also recognized former GCS CEO Joe Gomes, who was in attendance, for his previous work on behalf of children.
Learn more about GCS at GatewayChildrensServices.org.
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