April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and to raise awareness, gardens of bright blue pinwheels are being "planted" in various locations across Cumberland County. The pinwheel represents a happy, safe and carefree childhood that every child deserves. More than a million pinwheels have been displayed nationwide since the campaign started in April 2008, adopted by Prevent Child Abuse America.

 The Child Advocacy Center is leading the campaign locally, coordinating with schools, organizations, businesses and agencies to sponsor the "gardens." This is the 13th year that the CAC has coordinated the campaign in Cumberland County, and each year, the numbers have grown.

 Pinwheels for Prevention started as a grassroots campaign from Prevent Child Abuse America. The blue pinwheels serve as a reminder of the bright and happy future that every child deserves. The purpose of planting the pinwheels is to raise awareness and change the public's belief and behavior about child abuse and neglect.

 The CAC is partnering with seven other places within the community for pinwheel garden planting ceremonies. Join them during your lunch break at any of the following locations:

• Town of Hope Mills, March 30 at noon
• Festival Park, March 31 at 12:30 p.m.
• Fayetteville Technical Community College, April 3 at noon
• Methodist University, April 4 at noon
• Cumberland County Schools, Central Services, April 4 at 2 p.m.
• Town of Spring Lake, April 5 at noon
• Fayetteville State University, April 6 at noon

 The CAC is also decorating several black flowerpots downtown with pinwheels and signs about April being Child Abuse Prevention Month.

 Downtown Fayetteville merchants are coming together to help the CAC spread awareness about Child Abuse Prevention Month this April. Visitors can #ShopBlueDowntown on select days in April and help 20 businesses raise awareness and funds for the CAC in various ways.

 The CAC is hosting 'Monday with a Book' each week of April. Parents and children can visit their website or social media outlets on Facebook or Instagram to listen to the body safety books.

 Pinwheel garden kits and more pinwheel gear are still available at www.cacfaync.org.

 "We hope that during the month of April, you will find ways to celebrate the children in your life," said a representative from the CAC. "As you see, the pinwheels spinning in the sun this April, be reminded that the pinwheels represent the bright future for our children and our community. We want all children to live in stable, loving and stimulating environments – at home, at school and in the community."

 For more information on the CAC or to get involved, please visit the website at www.cacfaync.org