For Immediate Release:
September 2, 2004		   Print this Article
     

TENNESSEE INMATES CONTRIBUTE TO ANDREAWALKS

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES MAKE TOYS AND FURNITURE FOR CHILD ADVOCACY CENTERS

Nashville -Inmates at correctional facilities statewide have pledged their participation to “Andrea Walks for Tennessee’s Children,” an initiative started by First Lady Andrea Conte to raise awareness of child abuse in Tennessee and the work child advocacy centers do to help children who have been victimized.

“These donations will give children who are facing difficult situations some much-needed fun and play while they’re visiting a child advocacy center,” she said. “I am grateful to the correctional community for helping support Tennessee’s children through this generous donation to our child advocacy centers.”

In celebration of the project, inmates at five facilities are making cartoon character figurines, pink and blue rocking horses, rocking chairs and table-and-bench sets tailored just to size for children who visit these centers.

“Our inmates have enthusiastically risen to the task of providing their talents to the AndreaWalks Project,” said Warden Howard Carlton of the Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City. “They hope that their projects will help to make the Centers more inviting and comfortable during this difficult time for these children.”

Conte will make a 600-mile journey across the state to raise awareness about child abuse and to raise greatly needed funding for the state’s child advocacy centers. The Centers are community partnerships that provide comprehensive services to children who have suffered sexual or severe physical abuse. Conte begins walking in Memphis on Wednesday, September 8, and will end in East Tennessee in the spring.

“Andrea Walks For Tennessee’s Children” is a collaborative effort of the Office of the First Lady, Tennessee Chapter of Child Advocacy Centers, and You Have the Power…Know How to Use It, Inc. To learn more or to register to walk with First Lady Conte, visit www.AndreaWalks.com.

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NOTE: Information regarding AndreaWalks’ Wednesday, September 8th kick-off will be distributed later today.

NOTE TO PRINT OUTLETS: Those receiving this press release by email will receive two JPEG photos. All others, please visit www.AndreaWalks.com to download photos from the Media Room.