Events and Activities : Partnership to make cards for kids

BENTON-IOWA COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN AND THE VINTON GUILD OF FINE ARTS PARTNER TO MAKE CARDS FOR KIDS.

Benton-Iowa Community Partnership for Protecting Children and Vinton Guild of Fine Arts are partnering this year to celebrate the importance of social connections-a key indicator of overall health and an essential factor in preventing child abuse and neglect-by facilitating a card-making event.

The two groups will host a card-making station at the upcoming Benton County Community Health and Wellness Fair set for Saturday, April 4, 2020, from 8:00 am to noon at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School.

Individuals of all ages are encouraged to stop by the station and create a card (or two!) for kids receiving inpatient or outpatient services for mental or behavioral health. Mental illness is a medical condition like asthma or diabetes-many of the same things we would write in a traditional 'get well' card also apply to mental illness.

For individuals and groups who would like to participate but cannot attend the fair on April 4, cards can be made ahead of time and dropped with Erin Monaghan at 1311 D Avenue, Vinton, IA 52349.

Ideas to include on cards include: I'm thinking of you, and I hope you get well soon; Remember you are never alone; I hope you are getting a lot of rest, and your body is healing; Thank you for being here; You make our world a better place; You are loved. I promise; You don't have to feel strong all of the time; It does get better; I'm sending you hugs.

Then pull together some art supplies and get creating! Everyone can make #GreatChildhoods happen, especially you!

It is not necessary to register for the card-making station-simply show up and thank you! Questions? Contact Erin Monaghan at 319-241-1817 or Erin.BentonIowaDecat@gmail.com.

As a community-based coalition, CPPC believes Protecting Children is Everyone's Business.