Courtesy Photo The Exchange Club of Alpena’s Child Abuse Prevention flags at Mich-e-ke-wis Park bring awareness during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

ALPENA — April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and the Exchange Club of Alpena kicks off National Child Abuse Prevention month today with its award-winning program to bring awareness to the prevention of child abuse.

The National Exchange Club presented the Exchange Club of Alpena with a National Outstanding Service Project Award for their Prevention of Child Abuse Flag Project. This award is presented annually to three clubs for the most creative and unique projects that have benefited their community and produced local exposure for the club.

“We are honored to have been selected for this award,” said Ray Reynolds, co-chair of the project. “More importantly, it brings awareness to the prevention of child abuse in our community. We are proud of our club’s membership who support activities that foster family activities.”

For the month of April, the Exchange Club of Alpena has placed hundreds of yellow flags with the signature blue ribbon along the Mich-e-ke-wis Park area on U.S.-23, along the river near Washington Park, outside the Children’s Advocacy office as well as in front of all Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union locations. Pinwheels (the national symbol for child abuse prevention) will also be at these locations. Also, an overhead banner will be displayed across U.S.-23 near the Chisholm Street bridge.

For over 98 years, the Exchange Club of Alpena has donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena, Feed the Need, Alpena Baby Pantry, Children’s Advocacy Center, and sponsored numerous children’s sports teams. Each year the club also presents $3,000 worth of scholarships to local students.

“Our hope with these donations is to reduce obstacles families may face, whether it is the need for food or to keep children active, all which help reduce stress in the family,” said Meg Devers, co-chair, Child Abuse Prevention Committee. “With less stress in the family, our hope is that means less child abuse.”

The Exchange Club is grateful to the area businesses and individuals who have supported this project which is now in its second year. If anyone is interested in purchasing a Child Abuse Prevention flag for their home or business or donating to support the Exchange Club of Alpena’s Prevention of Child Abuse project, please email exchangeclubofalpena@gmail.com or call 989-464-2546.

The Exchange Club of Alpena has served the residents of Alpena County for over 98 years through its programs of service — Americanism, Community Service and Youth Programs. Members support activities that benefit youth, promote pride in our country and honor military and public service providers. Exchange’s National Project is the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Learn more about the Exchange Club of Alpena activities at Facebook.com/ExchangeClubOfAlpena/ or email exchangeclubofalpena@gmail.com for information on becoming a member of the club.