Children's Week Celebrated at City Hall

The 17th Annual Children’s Week is being observed by the City of Sarasota with artwork created by some of our youngest citizens on display in the lobby of City Hall, 1565 First Street. The display is open to the public Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. now through Friday, February 24.

“It’s so nice to have the children’s artwork in the lobby,” said Mayor Suzanne Atwell. “Seeing their hand drawings with phrases like ‘Love Me’, ‘Protect Me’ and ‘Teach Me’ is a testament to the innocence of children and the importance of always safeguarding their future.”

Children's Week unifies more than 200 community events and activities throughout the State of Florida with thousands of parents, children, legislators, professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens getting together to share valuable knowledge and information about children's issues.

Local preschoolers across Sarasota County submitted artwork to the Early Learning Coalition and The Florida Center for the display at City Hall. The children designed colorful paper cut-outs of their hands, with each hand representing the unique and important voice of each child. It emphasizes the need for all children to receive the programs and services necessary to nurture them and prepare them for school and life.

"It's a reminder of the importance of honoring children and families as the foundation of our community and to recognize our children as one of our most important resources and our greatest hope for the future," stated Janet Kahn, Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County.

Children's Week will be celebrated locally through the Partnership for Children collaboration of more than 25 local agencies including the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, Children First, The Florida Center, Safe Children Coalition and many more.

For more information contact Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer at 941-954-2613 or Karen Massa with the Early Learning Coalition at 941-556-1600 ext. 106.