Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano announces that Lauren’s Kids will be the tax collector’s featured charitable organization for the month of April. Lauren’s Kids is an organization that works with local school districts to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. Additionally, Lauren’s Kids helps heal survivors with guidance and support. Lauren’s Kids was started in 2007 by Lauren Book, now a state senator and herself a victim of years of childhood sexual abuse by a trusted caregiver. Senator Lauren Book has taken her own experiences and has turned them into an opportunity to help children find hope and healing.
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office will promote the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate and charitable check-off during the month of April. It is estimated that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys in the United States are sexually abused before the age of 18. A staggering 90% of the victims personally know the predator who preys on them. Sadly, it is estimated that 30% of childhood sexual abuse is never reported.
Individuals who have vehicle registrations coming due in April can trade-in their existing license plate for a Lauren’s Kids specialty plate. Customers may also purchase the tag for newly registered vehicles. Customers who purchase a specialty tag will be entered into a drawing for a gift card. Additionally, customers may also check the box on the back of their registration form to donate a specific dollar amount to the cause. Cash donations separate from vehicle registration and renewals will also be accepted.
“The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office has been an invaluable partner in the fight to prevent child sexual abuse and help survivors heal since 2015,” states Senator Lauren Book, Founder of Lauren’s Kids. “Their commitment to community service and the safety of all is reflected in their work with Lauren’s Kids, and we are so grateful to have their continued support in the fight to protect childhood.”
“I encourage customers to consider supporting the excellent work that Senator Lauren Book and her organization do to help children heal from dreadful abuse,” Tax Collector Mike Fasano comments. “Senator Book estimates that 95% of sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness. It is an honor for the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office to once again team with Lauren’s Kids to train a new generation of children about this crime and how they may find help and healing if they do become victims of it. Your purchase of a specialty tag or a donation in any amount to Lauren’s Kids will make a world of difference to a hurting child in our community.”
The specialty tag and the check-off promotion run through the month of April. Contributions to Lauren’s Kids can be made at all five tax collector locations in Pasco County: Wesley Chapel (COMPARK 75 – 4610 Pet Lane), Gulf Harbors (US Highway 19, New Port Richey), Land O’ Lakes (north of the Central Pasco Government Center), East Pasco Government Center (Dade City) and the West Pasco Government Center (Little Road, New Port Richey). Contributions can also be added to renewals that are processed via the mail. For more information about the charitable giving program and/ or the specialty tag/ check-off promotion, please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847- 8179. For more information about Lauren’s Kids please visit www.LaurensKids.org
Please visit www.pascotaxes.com for additional information about all services provided by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, including addresses, phone numbers and other information that may be helpful.
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