Dealership hosts child safety week

NEWTON-More than 2,100 children are reported missing every day, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. To help reduce this number and help keep kids safe, Condit's Ford World of Newton is hosting a "Commitment to Kids" safety event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24. The Commitment to Kids program is designed to attract area residents so that free, family-trusted digital I.D. kits (the national standard for digital identification of children) can be distributed. This is the third year the event will be held at the dealership. "We are committed to our customers at home, work and on the road," said Steven Partenio, dealership general manager. "As a member of the community, we believe it is important to pitch in to help protect our kids. Thanks to the Andover Township, Hopatcong and Newton Police Departments, as well as the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army National Guard, the Blood Center of New Jersey and the American Red Cross, this event will be a great one. We're doing what we can so children and adults will want to come out and have a great time." A current photograph can make all the difference in the safe recovery of a missing child. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), one of six missing children is recovered because someone recognized his or her photograph. A completed disk provides parents with the ability to instantly disseminate the missing child's photo and information to authorities. The disk also contains the proper forms required to report a child missing and the ability to automatically print and disseminate a customized "Missing Child Alert" poster. With the help of new technology, the NCMEC has witnessed a remarkable recovery rate increase, from 66 percent in 1990 to 94 percent today. This year's event will kick off from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, with a blood drive for the Blood Center of New Jersey. Supplies are drastically low because of the recent hurricane disaster. In addition to the digital I.D. kits, Saturday's program will include child safety-seat inspections, the Army Climbing Wall, the Army National Guard's M-1 U.S. Army tank and "Sergeant Thunder," and three programs presented by the American Red Cross. "Whales Tales," about basic water safety and "Scrubby Bear," about health and wellness, are suitable for preschoolers and kindergartners. Older children can enjoy a program with Robin and Jason, titled "Hurricane Adventures." Residents may tune in to Channel 10 Community Bulletin Board or call 973-383-2800 for information and updates All eight World of Auto locations are also collecting used cell phones, gift cards for ShopRite and Wal*Mart and calling cards for D.A.S.I, used prescription eye glasses for The Lions Club, and toiletries, child "pull-ups", baby wipes, laundry detergent, paper towels and toilet paper for Project Self Sufficiency, to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. Ford World of Newton will be a drop off location for these items until Thanksgiving. For more information call 973-383-2800.