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WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Mingo County Family Resource Network hosted the 7th annual Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia Walk Wednesday in downtown Williamson.

Of the more than 300 participants, about 250 were kids. The walk started at the DHHR building and ended at the Mingo County Courthouse. Once the walk was over, a child abuse prevention awareness flag was raised, and children placed blue pinwheels along the veterans memorial garden.

“The pin wheels signify the importance of recognizing that it is your turn to make a difference. It’s a positive spin on the way things are instead of always focusing on the negative,” said Amy Dearfield, Executive Director of the Mingo County Family Resource Network.

Organizers say there are many ways to get involved and help prevent child abuse and raise awareness to the issue.

“Everyone has the ability to help children and families in their neighborhoods,” said Jenny Ferri, Community Partnerships Coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia. “It’s the simple acts that we do, such as, volunteering, mentoring at a pre-school or an after school program. Or perhaps helping an over burden neighbor who needs a couple hours of babysitting or maybe fix them a hot meal. Just reaching out to your neighbors.”

For more information or for ways to get involved, contact the Mingo County Family Resource Network at 304-235-5607.