Keeping children safe is crucial—and costly. Parents could easily pay hundreds of dollars for car seats and miscellaneous baby-proofing products. And then they have to figure out how to install the car seats, cabinet locks, doorknob covers, and more.
‘Worth Supporting’
Healthy Families—Rappahannock Area knows that the value of keeping babies safe is much higher than those costs. So the nonprofit teamed up with GEICO’s Fredericksburg Regional Office to sponsor the 11th annual “Safety First Regional Campaign” on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. A longtime supporter, GEICO has sponsored the Safety First Campaign for the past decade.
“GEICO associates care about their community,” said Public Affairs Coordinator Amanda Talbert. “We consider this an important traffic safety initiative worth supporting.”
Safety First
Families with children receiving Medicaid will be eligible to receive a free convertible or booster car seat in addition to training on proper car seat use and installation assistance. To receive a free car seat, parents must register in advance and bring their child’s Medicaid card to the event.
At the Safety First Campaign, other child safety products such as bicycle helmets, outlet covers, doorknob covers, cabinet locks and gun locks will be distributed for free.
“Parenting can be challenging and expensive. This event is one of many ways that HFRA empowers parents to raise healthy, safe and happy children. We are grateful for community partners who recognize the importance of helping local families.”
— Davy Fearon Jr., Healthy Families—Rappahannock Area Program Manager and father of four
A limited supply of car seats will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis to people who register in advance. To register, call Healthy Families Rappahannock Area at 540-374-3366, ext. 116. This is a one-day event and attendance at the training is required to receive a free car seat.
The Nitty Gritty
The event will take place at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave. in Fredericksburg. Other sponsors and partners include the Rappahannock United Way, Advanced Care for Women, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the Fredericksburg Police Department and Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area.
Food will be provided by Wright’s Delights. Children will be able to tour emergency vehicles during the event.
Founded in 1997, Healthy Families Rappahannock Area empowers parents to raise healthy children by providing intensive home-based services and helping to create a nurturing and supportive environment. The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board serves as the fiscal agent. Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area is a member agency of the Rappahannock United Way.
For details on Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area or to learn more about the Safety First Campaign, contact Davy Fearon, program manager, at 540-374-3366 or dfearon@rappahannockareacsb.org.