Blue Pinwheels project returning to DI in April

When you spot a sparkling blue pinwheel on Daniel Island in the month of April, hopefully it will remind you of the importance of childhood – and that this precious time should be protected for kids of all ages.

The Daniel Island Exchange Club, Darkness to Light, the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center and Prevent Child Abuse America are teaming up in support of the “Pinwheels for Greater Childhood” initiative, a time set aside to raise awareness about all forms of child abuse. On Daniel Island, more than 1800 blue pinwheels will be planted on the lawns in front of Daniel Island School and Bishop England High School, representing student enrollment totals at each facility. Area businesses and other individuals are also being encouraged to participate.

“Our main goal is to ‘see’ the support,” said Kay Layne of the Daniel Island Exchange Club. “…And we haven’t seen it yet. Hopefully we can make that happen. The awareness of child abuse is important. If you look at the statistics, it’s pretty scary. And there are all forms of it. You can be abused just by not having parents at home.”

One in 10 children will be sexually abused by the time they are 18, states the Darkness to Light website. There are an estimated 42 million child sexual abuse survivors in the United States alone. For every $2 donated, a blue pinwheel will be “planted” in honor of a local child. Proceeds will benefit Darkness to Light, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center (DNCAC), and Prevent Child Abuse America. The Exchange Club will donate its share of the proceeds to the Humanities Foundation.

According to Dr. Carole Swiecicki, executive director and CEO of DNCAC, approximately 136 children in the Daniel Island/Cainhoy area experience sexual abuse, sexual assault or physical abuse every year.

“Child abuse is a real problem in the Lowcountry, including on Daniel Island,” added Swiecicki. “…We’re proud to be part of the Pinwheel Project again in hopes that it will increase awareness and help educate adults on child abuse prevention and the protective and healing resources available to the community through Dee Norton.”

It is critical that communities take a stand to protect kids, continued Swiecicki, because anyone can be affected.

“Child abuse knows no racial, gender or financial status,” she said. “Our Center is for all children, from social, cultural, economic backgrounds. It is critical for the adults of any community to first acknowledge that child sexual abuse happens. Adults who understand the issue of child abuse are better equipped to help prevent abuse from occurring, know how and when to the report suspected abuse, and can help raise awareness of the services and resources available to victims and their families.”

“We are honored to work alongside these amazing organizations in the Charleston and Daniel Island area,” stated Katelyn Brewer, president and CEO of Darkness to Light (D2L), a non-profit committed to empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse. “The services that we are able to collectively provide the community not only help spread awareness of child abuse, but also help protect our children from abuse and help them and their families heal if abuse happens.”

“Child abuse is tragic,” added Swiecicki. “But it does not have to define who a child is, or who a child will become. Children can, and do, heal.”

To volunteer, donate to the cause, or to purchase a pinwheel to display on your property, visit www.bluepinwheels.com. Pinwheels will also be available for purchase at the Daniel Island Refuel beginning March 31 and at the upcoming “First Sunday” event at Central Island Square on April 7 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

“Child abuse can happen anywhere, in any community, including Daniel Island,” said Beckie Davey, Daniel Island Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Committee Chair. “We want the community to see the pinwheels and know that they represent the great childhood every child deserves. We are confident the people of Daniel Island will come together and commit to creating a safe environment for our children.”