The Lily Pad Center says no one should turn a blind eye to child abuse.
A thousand pinwheels are spinning on the front lawn of the center, representing the cases of child abuse and sexual assault reported in the area each year.
April is Child Abuse Awareness and Sexual Assault Prevention month.
The Lily Pad is asking you to donate new or gently used suitcases for child victims who often travel between homes.
The suitcases will be filled with comfort items and come with a tag that reads Janaysia's Joy in memory of child beating victim Janaysia Stevenson.
"I just thank the Lily Pad for what they're doing for Janaysia and with her being my only grand baby," said Janaysia's Grandfather, William Hunt. "I love her to death and I'll never forget her you know and it's just something in life that people need to come together like you're dong and it's helping the hunt family, the Stevenson family."
Donations collected from downtown businesses will be used to purchase suitcases in Janaysia's memory.
The Rough Riders recently held a motorcycle ride in honor of victims and today presented a 400 dollar check to the Lily Pad.
Janaysia was killed by her mother's boyfriend in March. 28-year-old Gregory Keith Evans, the boyfriend of the child's mother, has been charged with two counts of battery, one count of cruelty to a child. He confessed, and is in the Dougherty County jail.
Chaitia Stevenson, her mother has also been arrested.
Downtown Albany Merchants, Family Protection Unit, Child Protective Services, and Southwest Georgia Law Enforcement are participating in the event.
Using the theme, "One Child. One Story. One Place"Pinwheels are being placed in honor of or in the memory of victims served.
To sponsor a pinwheel in honor or memory of someone, please call 435-0074 or email Caitlyn@lilypadcenter.com
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