Haywood County’s Director Linda Burns (left) accepts a Circles of Hope Telethon donation of $435 from the center’s youngest supporter, 2-year-old Audrey Reasons (center). Audrey’s mother, Lisa, says she wants to teach her daughter at an early age the importance of giving to those that are less fortunate. This is Audrey’s second year to make a telethon donation. Each year in honor of Audrey’s birthday, children are asked to bring a donation for the Carl Perkins Center instead of a gift. Audrey is the daughter of Jim and Lisa Reasons. We can all learn a valuable lesson from this generous little girl. Also pictured is Audrey’s mom and baby sister.

Circles of Hope Telethon to air August 20

The Circles of Hope Telethon is the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse’s largest annual fundraiser, generating approximately one quarter of the organization’s operating budget. This year’s event will be broadcast live on WBBJ, ABC Channel 7, from 1-10p.m. Haywood County will be highlighted from 5-6 p.m.

The telethon is more than just a fundraiser for the center; it is also one of the center’s largest public relations initiatives throughout the year. Not only does it raise much-needed operating funds, but also educates the community on the problem of child abuse and lets them know how the center is working to break the cycle.

For more than 22 years the Circles of Hope Telethon has served as an avenue to call the West Tennessee community to action, to save the lives of children. It has also assisted in telling the story of the children served.

The theme of this year’s telethon is “In Our Own Backyard.” When you think of our community as the backyard for all our children, what do you see? Children swinging. Dad’s grilling. Youngsters pitching baseballs and tents. Such moments may be special, but aren’t always typical of family life in many backyards. Child Abuse is a reality. It is happening here, everyday. Maybe even in your neighbor’s backyard. Last year, the Haywood County center served 131 individuals

Making a donation or gift to the telethon is a personal and active way to help support the efforts of the Carl Perkins Center. Giving shows that you believe in what the center is doing to help these children and that you want to be a part of making a difference in their life. No matter the size, every dollar raised allows the opportunity for these services to continue at no cost to the children or families.

The center will accept telethon donations until the end of August. All donations from Haywood County residents will be designated for the Haywood County Center.

The mission of the center is to provide support to families in preventing and dealing with child abuse in West Tennessee and to help both parents and children meet the practical needs of preserving and improving the quality of family life. For more information, call 731-772-8378 or visit www.carlperkinscenter.org.