Prevent Child Abuse Virginia (PCAV) is proud to introduce the pinwheel as a new symbol for child abuse prevention.

The pinwheel is a symbol of hope, health and happiness - what we all desire for children we know and love, and for children everywhere.

Every April - during Child Abuse Prevention Month - PCAV and many of its partner organizations around the state plant pinwheel gardens in honor of children in their communities. PCAV partners with Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to present the signature pinwheel garden for the initiative. Last year, volunteers planted nearly 4,000 pinwheels along a lake in Lewis Ginter's Children's Garden to celebrate Virginia youths.

We invite you to contact Prevent Child Abuse Virginia to purchase pinwheels year-round for your family, civic organization, faith-based group or company. If you're interested in planting a pinwheel garden in April 2011, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, please contact us at shadams@pcav.org to pre-order your supply of pinwheels and receive them by early spring.

Ideal places to plant pinwheel gardens that honor children include near your mailbox, in your front yard, at your church or school, or in front of a business or community building. Pinwheels may be purchased for $2 each by calling (804) 359-6166 ext. 309. The bulk rate for pinwheel purchases for schools, church or civic groups, military programs, and nonprofits is .75 cents per pinwheel. The bulk rate for businesses is $1 per pinwheel. Minimal shipping charges may apply, along with postage charges if the pinwheels are mailed to you. All proceeds benefit PCAV.

For every dollar spent on prevention, Virginia saves $4 in services for youths who otherwise must be removed from their homes.