National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month can sometimes be overshadowed by Easter. The group, Prevent Child Abuse Carroll County, hopes to shine a light on egg hunting, child abuse and neglect prevention and large furry rodents by sponsoring the Carroll County Easter Egg Hunt on the courthouse lawn, April 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Many local volunteers and donors put countless hours toward the hunt. First Steps Council previously headed the event but, after disbanding last year, passed the honor on to PCACC. Vice-president Debbie Lowe is experiencing her first year in charge.

"You should see all the plastic Easter eggs I have in the back room," Lowe exclaimed.

Lowe said the First Steps Council left the abuse prevention group fully prepared.

"We shadowed them last year, and some members met with us this year for remedial training. They even gave us money left from their treasury."

The many hours and volunteers have proved successful in adding several new appearances to this Delphi tradition. New guests include: The Delphi Tri-township Volunteer Fire Department trucks and fire prevention trailer, Miss Flame, Sparky the firedog, McGruff the crime dog, the DARE officer, jugglers, and the always photogenic, Easter Bunny.

Additional activities include face painting, bubble blowing, temporary tattooing and DNA identification testing kits.

Children between the ages of zero and nine will be awarded prizes after locating a "lucky egg." Bicycles, balls and hulahoops are some of the many prizes to be won. Each child will receive a grab bag full of goodies, discount coupons, and child abuse prevention information.

The group is taking steps to secure the safety of all children hunting on the courthouse lawn. Parents are encouraged to provide adequate supervision to ensure a fun-filled experience.

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering is encouraged to contact Lowe at (765) 564-6073 or 491-8515.

"Everyone wants this to be a success," Lowe said. "The Easter Egg Hunt is a great family based activity and we're really lucky to have the chance to put this on."