Pinellas Tax Collector Offices Join The Fight Against Child Abuse

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — It's an uncomfortable topic, but it's something that can occur at any socioeconomic level, within any culture or religion, and to any child — sexual abuse.

As a community, everyone has a role to play when it comes to ending sexual assault, harassment and abuse. That's why this April, Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas and his team are partnering with Lauren's Kids to spread awareness and raise funds.

All through the month of April, customers visiting a tax collector office in Pinellas can show their support for this Florida nonprofit by making a monetary donation or switching to the Lauren's Kids specialty license plate. Any customer who purchases the specialty plate this month is eligible to enter a drawing for a $50 Visa or American Express gift card presented by the Lauren's Kids organization. Customers who choose to make a monetary donation will receive a small thank-you gift in return.

Lauren's Kids was founded by Lauren Book in 2007. Book is a former teacher, best-selling author, Florida state senator and childhood sexual abuse survivor. Book's own traumatic experiences fueled her mission to prevent childhood sexual abuse and help other survivors to heal.

The facts speak for themselves. Before turning 18, one in three girls and one in five boys will be sexually abused in the United States. There are more than 42 million childhood sexual abuse survivors in the U.S. today, and 95 percent of sexual abuse is preventable through education.

"It is an honor for our team to join up with Lauren's Kids again this year," said Thomas. "We are always looking for ways to give back to and support our community. If we can help to spread awareness and education about this issue, hopefully we can help to prevent some of this abuse."

Donations to Lauren's Kids will stay local, with funds going toward education and awareness programs in Pinellas County such as training and abuse prevention curriculums for local teachers.

Last year, the tax collector offices in Pinellas raised $3,076.80 for Lauren's Kids. Find more information about Lauren's Kids by clicking here.