100 pinwheels stand against child abuse outside Hamilton YMCA

The Hamilton Area YMCA's preschool and early learning programs planted 100 pinwheels on the organization's lawn in a stand against child abuse.

HAMILTON - One hundred pinwheels blow in the breeze outside the Hamilton Area YMCA in a stance against child abuse.

Hamilton YMCA said their Owls Preschool and early learning program children recently planted the pinwheels - which were officially named the national symbol of child abuse prevention in 2008 by Prevent Child Abuse America, an awareness and prevention organization founded in 1972.

A child plants a pinwheel for child abuse prevention outside the Hamilton Area YMCA.Courtesy of Hamilton Area YMCA Facebook 

This year, the Hamilton YMCA said they joined the Prevent Child Abuse America's national campaign Pinwheels for Prevention.

"The Hamilton Area YMCA has served as a steward of children in our community for the last 65 years," the organization's President and CEO David Kisselback said. "We owe it to our children to be vigilant, to know the signs of abuse and neglect and to do our part to ensure every child can learn and grow in a loving, supportive environment."

Hamilton YMCA said the pinwheels will remain on the lawn throughout April.

The organization said children in their various youth development programs also participated in awareness activities by making pinwheels and information pieces on child abuse prevention to be sent home to parents.

Hamilton YMCA said the pinwheels stand on the lawn of the JKR Branch on Whitehorse-Mercerville Road.

Lindsay Rittenhouse may be reached at lrittenhouse@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.