Kiwanis Clubs of Division 13 Partner to Spread Awareness about Harrison's Hope

by Amy Thorstad

Jimmie Williams, past President of the Warwick Club, headed up an effort among the clubs in Division 13 to spread awareness about Harrison's Hope. Terrill and Michele Struttmann founded Harrison's Hope in 1999 after two toddlers, left unattended in a running vehicle, set it in motion and killed the Struttmann's 2-year-old son, Harrison. The Struttmanns have since devoted their lives to preventing similar accidents. Harrison's Hope has partnered with 4R Kids Sake to help document incidents for Harrison's Hope's national database. Harrison's Hope has been endorsed by service clubs across the country including Kiwanis International and Optimist International.

The clubs participated in two recent children's festivals, one in Hampton and one in Newport News. Temporary tattoos with the "Zero Seconds" message were a big hit with the kids! While Kiwanians applied the tattoos, they shared the message with the children that it is never ok, not even for one second, for someone to leave them alone in a car nor should they play in or around cars. Parents were asked to sign a pledge stating that they would never leave a child alone in a car.

The Kiwanis Clubs of Division 13 have also partnered with the Newport News Youth Commission and have received approval for a Proclamation to be presented in an upcoming City Council meeting to recognize May 30th as Harrison's Hope Day. A similar Proclamation has also been issued in the city of Hampton.

Pictured above are Jimmie & Kitty Williams of the Warwick Club and Shawn O'Keefe, director of the Newport News Youth Commission, standing at the Harrison's Hope table.

Above Shawn O'Keefe applying a temporary tattoo with the "Zero Seconds" logo.