Rabbit Fest royalty promote child abuse awareness

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Members of the Rabbit Fest royalty teamed up with Copperas Cove’s McDonald's for a second year to help promote child abuse awareness.

As customers made their way through the McDonald's drive-thru, the young pageant winners handed out a coupon for a free McDonald's quarter pounder with cheese and another card containing information about signs of child abuse, numbers to call if abuse is suspected, and information about the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The card also included a blue ribbon which could be tied onto their vehicle’s antenna to show that they don’t tolerate child abuse.

Wendy Sledd, who has worked with CASA in seven states, said that child abuse is a huge problem in Texas. She said this event is a way of taking the information out of the court room and giving it to people who might need that information.

This month is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Some child abuse signs to be aware of are changes in behavior like withdrawal or not wanting to go home, seeming to be afraid of a certain individual, changes in school performance or attendance, changes to sleeping patterns, visible unexplained injuries, changes in eating, and engaging in risk-taking behavior.

Sledd said the royalty and their parents were surprised about how much of a problem child abuse is. She said it makes them realize how fortunate they are and that it’s a real eye opener for them.

“This is a great cause. As a child, I know I’m very fortunate that I don’t have to experience child abuse. I’m very fortunate for what I have. I just want to raise awareness for those who aren’t as fortunate as me,” said Young Miss Rabbit Fest Carleigh Ross (15). “I think it’s very important for people to know the signs of child abuse so that everyone can identify it and help out the people that need it. It’s important that people know who they can reach out to so that they can get help. Every child deserves to get the help that they need.”

“I think child abuse is cowardly,” said Walter Banks, father of one-year-old Baby Miss Rabbit Fest Lilith Banks. “If we get through to one person, it’s worth it.”

Kyle Peterson, Cove McDonalds’ General Manager, said it’s important to the restaurant to do anything they can do to help the people in the community. Giving back to the community is important to him. He said it was inspiring to see the members of the younger generation getting involved in helping to give back to the community.

 “I think we should stop child abuse as much as we can,” said Little Miss Fort Hood Paige Cardon (8). “I think it’s really sad. Kids deserve a better life.”