This April, Springfield residents can honor those who helped them have a safe and happy childhood by donating to the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery. The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery is commemorating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month by “planting” a pinwheel garden in its front yard at 1011 N. 7 th Street in Springfield.
The Crisis Nursery will “grow” its garden all month by adding pinwheels for each minimum of $10 donation made as part of the special campaign throughout the month. Residents are asked to recognize a parent, sibling, teacher, coach or anyone who helped them have a happy childhood.
“We want to celebrate all the good families in our area and hope the community will join us in our mission to prevent child abuse and neglect,” says Jessica Hargan, the interim executive director at the Crisis Nursery. “Together we can provide a place of safety, security and comfort for vulnerable children in our community.”
In 2008, the pinwheel was introduced as the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention. The pinwheel signifies whimsy and celebrates happy, healthy childhoods while raising awareness that all children deserve to grow up in nurturing, safe homes.
The Crisis Nursery provides 24/7/365 short-term, emergency care for children ages birth through age 6 when families are in crisis. The nursery care, classes and counseling are all offered at no cost to families in the Springfield area. Its staff cares for nearly 2,200 children each year. The Crisis Nursery opened in May 1989 through the efforts of local volunteers including Marinda “Mini” O’Beirne, who died of cancer before the Nursery opened.
Donations can be made by visiting the Crisis Nursery website at www.miniobeirne.org or its Facebook page. Donations can also be made directly to the Nursery at 1011 N. 7 th Street. For more information, contact Jessica Hargan, interim executive director, 525-6800, or jessica@miniobeirne.org
