Schuylkill County is going silver this month for the annual Silver Ribbon campaign.
Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance has held the annual campaign since 2008 to raise awareness about elder abuse through the display of silver ribbons. The event coincides with Older Americans Month.
"Instances of abuse have become more prevalent, but the more awareness there is out there, the more likely it is for people to step up against elder abuse," Eileen Barlow, campaign chairwoman, said Monday.
The Silver Ribbon campaign raises money for SEAPA, a nonprofit organization devoted to preventing and prosecuting elder abuse in Schuylkill County. Local businesses and community organizations supporting the cause this year include long-term care facilities, banks, churches, Boyer's Food Market, the county District Attorney's office and Schuylkill Women in Crisis.
"We are very pleased with the support we get," Barlow said.
Three thousand silver lapel ribbons and 40 large silver bows were assembled for this year's campaign. As of Monday, nearly half of the silver lapels were delivered to supporting organizations and nine large bows were sold.
The large bows, $10 each, are usually storefront displays while businesses and organizations pass out the lapels to employees and customers. The lapel ribbons are distributed for free.
"If we can touch one person or prevent one senior from going through a crisis, then we have done our job," Barlow said.
SEAPA is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this month.
There will be a memorial dedication Wednesday, May 14 outside the county human services building at Laurel and Centre streets. Following the ceremony, SEAPA will have its third annual Hornbrook Memorial Awards luncheon at the Greystone Restaurant, across the street. The awards are named in honor of John J. Hornbrook, Pottsville, who donated $3.1 million in perpetual charitable trust to SEAPA. Awards are given to an individual and a group who have helped the agency or the elder community.
"It's an exciting year," Barlow said.
This story was changed from a previous version that had the incorrect date for the memorial dedication.