Every year, Marine Corps Community Services organizes a free event to celebrate children.
Kidfest, now in its 16th year, raises awareness of child abuse in light of April being both Child Abuse Prevention month and Month of the Military Child.
This year’s event is slated for April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Cross Creek Shopping Center.
According to a Kidfest press release, more than 3 million children a year are reported abused or neglected nationally.
“Kidfest is about improving a child’s quality of life,” said Yucel Henderson, a prevention and education specialist with the behavioral health branch of MCCS.
Kidfest has grown in its near two-decade existence.
“It started as a small flame and became bigger as the years went,” Henderson said.
Last year’s event showcased 50 organizations and had an attendance upwards of 8,500.
Henderson encourages both members of the Tri-Command and local community to attend and participate in the free event.
“You can’t go wrong with investing in children,” she said.
Service members interested in participating in KidFest can contact the Single Marine Program at 228-7405 all others can contact Yucel Henderson at 228-6900.