Make the life of a child a little bit better

     “An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:46-47

     Many of us have worked hard to build a community in which our children are safe. We all want to protect them from harm. We also know that we don’t live in a completely predictable world and that sometimes we need to prepare ourselves ahead of time – just in case. 

     Over the last 6 months Paul Feldman has organized 2 events right here in Jones County that help to ease parents’ minds if one of their greatest fears occurs and one of their children go missing. He has used a system the Masons have made available that records and packages the information you might need in trying to find and identify a missing child. Over 200 children have been through the process and their parents have the necessary information to keep in case they ever need it.

     Volunteers from all over the county made these events possible. Boy Scouts were involved setting up, serving food, and cleaning up. We had people to run the computers and to lead the children in enjoyable activities. Local safety professionals were there to answer kids’ questions as the kids got to see their vehicles. Citizens State Bank provided a contribution for the lunch that was served and paper goods. The Jones County Dairy Board offered the use of their soft serve ice cream machine. Cedar Jones Early Childhood Iowa was there signing kids up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Community Partnerships for Protecting Children provided the opportunity for parents and kids to record what they liked best about their relationship – and to memorialize the moment with a framed photo of the two of them. Iowa State Extension had several educational and fun activities available. And all this happened in the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center!

     We have opportunities every day to make the life of a child just a little bit better. A kind word, even an encouraging smile can go a long way. Events like Child Safety Identification extends our protection just a little bit farther.  If you missed both of these opportunities, “like” JonesCountyPartnershipsfor ProtectingChildren on Facebook, or watch the paper.  Planning for another event is already in the works!