Once again, the Fannin County Children’s Center is already making plans for April for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. As part of this effort, they are taking orders for their Blue Shirts and Signs. The royal blue shirts, yard signs and banners proclaim "No Excuse for Child Abuse" in bold letters. The back of the shirt includes the words "I stand up for kids."

Most shirts cost $10 each. New this year is the option to get a shirt with “bling” for an extra $3. Yard signs cost $10 each and include the wire stakes. Banners come in two sizes. A small banner will be approximately 1 x 2 feet in size and cost $15. The larger banner will be about 2 x 4 feet and cost $35.

Once again, the Children’s Center will be encouraging area schools, churches and businesses to post the “No Excuse” slogan on their marquee signs during the month of April. For locations that do not have a marquee sign, the yard signs and banners will offer a way to participate in this awareness effort.

The Children’s Center is also working on plans for this year’s Stand Up for Kids event. Many of the same free fun and games will be back again this year, including the pony rides and petting zoo. Bouncy houses, puppet shows, games, free hot dogs and more will be at Simpson Park on Wednesday, April 10 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. April 17 is the scheduled rain date.

Blue shirts and signs must be ordered and paid for by March 31 in order to be ready for the April 10th event. Shirt and sign orders will be taken through the end of April.

Order forms are available on the agency website and at the center. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will be used to support efforts to raise awareness about child abuse in Fannin County. For more information, visit www.fanninccc.org or call (903) 583-4339.