As the wind blows in April, hundreds of bright blue pinwheels will be spinning with purpose at Methodist University – a gentle reminder that every child deserves a stable, loving, and stimulating environment to grow up in.
As the wind blows in April, hundreds of bright blue pinwheels will be spinning with purpose at Methodist University – a gentle reminder that every child deserves a stable, loving, and stimulating environment to grow up in.
As Child Abuse Prevention Month kicks off, Methodist University partnered with the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to hold a pinwheel planting ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. Dozens of students, faculty, and staff from MU and volunteers from CAC helped plant hundreds of pinwheels — across a grass field at the University’s south entrance along Ramsey Street — for the thousands of drivers to see as they pass by each day.
The event’s ultimate goal is to raise awareness for child abuse and neglect in the greater Fayetteville community while recognizing the 808 children who were referred to the Child Advocacy Center in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
“With many Methodist University students eventually entering fields that will have them working around children, it’s important they are aware of the issue of child abuse,” said Roberta Humphries, executive director of the Child Advocacy Center. “We simply want to raise awareness for how to recognize child abuse and then how to report it. If you see something, say something.”
Methodist University junior Caroline Stubblefield acknowledged the importance of students like herself becoming a part of the solution.
“Unfortunately, there are children in homes who are experiencing violence and abuse,” said Stubblefield, an Elementary Education major. “It’s up to all of us in the community, including students and faculty, to become more aware of child abuse and figure out a way to prevent it.”
This is the 13th year the Child Advocacy Center has planted blue pinwheels across Cumberland County. If you would like to get involved, you can order a pinwheel garden kit for your home, volunteer year-round, or donate.
To learn more about the Child Advocacy Center and the services it offers the community, the Child Advocacy Center webpage.