Richland County Children Services marches in Miss Ohio Parade

June 14, 2010

MANSFIELD -- Almost two dozen Richland County Children Services employees, many accompanied by their own children, participated on Sunday in the 2010 Miss Ohio Parade through downtown Mansfield.

(Click here to check a photo gallery from the event.)

The agency's float was a trailer full of youngsters and the agency's popular metal, blue pinwheel that spins in the breeze as the float moves along the parade route.

Staff members and their children handed out candy along the way, as well as blue pinwheels, the agency's signature "One Pinwheel, One Child" display during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The agency put 2,748 pinwheels on display that month, each representing an investigation into alleged child abuse and/or neglect the agency investigated in 2009.

"We are parade veterans now," said Carl Hunnell, the agency's communications supervisor. "We look forward to particpating in these kinds of community events and giving something back to the men and women and families who support our agency all year long."

RCCS is a regular participant in many community events, including the Richland County Fair, Lexington Blueberry Festival, Bellville Street Fair, etc.

"We know our agency plays a key role in our community in terms of assisting families and keeping kids safe," Hunnell said. "Our participation in these events reminds lots of people we are here 24/7 whenever they need us."

The parade concludes the annual Miss Ohio Weekend of events and sets the stage for the annual competition that begins Wednesday at the Rennaissance Theatre in Mansfield and concludes with the crowning of a new Miss Ohio on Saturday night.

Area residents can call RCCS anytime they suspect child abuse and/or neglect. The agency's 24/7 hotline number is 419-774-4100.

 

 

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