Pinellas County Tax Collector Supports Lauren's Kids

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL -- There is still time for residents to upgrade to a Lauren's Kids specialty license plate and be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.

Throughout April, the Pinellas County Tax Collector's Office is partnering with Lauren's Kids to take a stand against childhood sexual abuse. April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Pinellas County Tax Collector Offices are offering special incentives to drivers who upgrade to the Lauren's Kids specialty license plate or donate to the nonprofit. Drivers who switch to the Lauren's Kids tag during April can enter a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.

Drivers must make the switch in person at any of the Pinellas County Tax Collector's five branch office locations. Drivers who make a $1 or $5 voluntary contribution to Lauren's Kids will also receive a bracelet or string backpack.

"We are honored to support the life-changing mission of Lauren's Kids which benefits children and families in Pinellas County and around the world," said Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas. "I encourage anyone visiting our offices in April to consider donating or upgrading to the Lauren's Kids license plate."

Donations will stay local and will go toward education and awareness programs in Pinellas County, including training and abuse prevention curriculum for teachers. It will also help cover the printing costs for Lauren's Kids Guide to Hope & Healing, which is distributed at sexual assault treatment and children's advocacy centers.

According to Lauren's Kids, one in three girls and one in five boys will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthdays. Forty-five percent of these victims will not disclose the abuse for five or more years.

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