“A penny earned is a penny saved” is an old saying but still rings true. For child abuse prevention, every penny counts, especially at Prevent Child Abuse Gordon County (PCA Gordon).

PCA Gordon is soliciting local businesses to host a coin can for extra change for customers to donate to the agency. Staff members have been challenged to take the cans to businesses and see who can get the most money donated over a period of a year.

Local businesses who have agreed to partner with PCA Gordon to support programs by hosting a coin can so far, include: Big John’s Treat Shop, El Nopal, Heart’s Desire, Home Depot, Kangaroo Express, Party Liquor, Pengs, Pets R us, Red Door Café, Sharkey’s, and Thurston’s Café.

Prevent Child Abuse Gordon County was started as the Child Abuse Council in 1984 by a group of Gordon County citizens including: Joan Bentley, Barbara Lance, George Southgate, and Steve Hatcher.

They saw a need for the services in our county and went after it to tackle the cause head on. Currently, it hosts many programs, including the Supervised Visitation Center where children in DFCS custody come to visit their parents.

Parents also receive parenting skills and advocacy about the legal system. Grand Families is another program of PCA Gordon. It is a support group for grandparents who are raising grandchildren due to an unfortunate circumstance.

“Currently, the majority of PCA Gordon’s programs are funded by grants, says Carol Vedrody, director. “Grants can at times be turbulent depending on the economy. We are always looking for other ways to fund programs and develop sustainability.”

If your business is interested in getting involved, please contact PCA Gordon at 706-625-3311.