Costa Mesa, Calif. (July 31, 2024) – With unanimous consent, the United States Senate has designated September as National Child Awareness Month (NCAM) for the 17th consecutive year. S.Res.792 officially designates September 2024 as “National Child Awareness Month” to promote awareness of charities that benefit children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States and recognizes the efforts made by those charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as critical contributions to the future of the United States.
NCAM began in 2002 as a grassroots effort in Orange County, California, by Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, a managing partner of C.J. Segerstrom & Sons / South Coast Plaza and the founder and executive director of the national non-profit organization, Festival of Children Foundation (FOCF), which supports nearly 500 children’s charities across the country. Daniels wanted to refocus critical attention on improving the lives of all children in America and shine a light on the charities that serve them. The effort soon blossomed into a state and then national initiative.
In 2008, the U.S. Senate, with unanimous consent, passed its first resolution designating September as National Child Awareness Month, which it has done every year since. The resolution was carried by U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK). S.Res.792 co-sponsors include: Shelley Capito, (R-WV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Margaret Hassan (D-NH).
“Children are valuable, and for nearly two decades, the Senate has supported the charities, nonprofits, and outreach organizations that make their futures even brighter,” said Senator James Lankford. “The volunteers and staff who invest in America’s youth demonstrate the Oklahoma Standard. This month – and every month – we recognize the work they do to strengthen our families and empower the next generation of leaders.”
“National Child Awareness Month serves as a call to action, reminding us all of the importance of nurturing and protecting our children’s future,” said Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, founder and executive director of Festival of Children Foundation . “I am profoundly thankful to Senator Lankford for his unwavering commitment and leadership in championing this resolution. His dedication ensures that the voices of our children are heard, and their needs are prioritized on a national level. This recognition empowers us to continue the vital work of supporting the interdependent network of organizations devoted to improving the lives of children across the country.”
Since 2008, National Child Awareness Month has made a significant impact:
- 116,249 youth volunteers have been involved in NCAM service projects
- 1.8 million people benefited from NCAM service projects
- 157,890 volunteer service hours have been completed during NCAM
- $451,500 in NCAM grants have been distributed to children’s charities
About Festival of Children Foundation
Festival of Children Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves to bring together and coordinate the efforts of charities, companies and individuals who work to improve the lives of children. 100% of the administrative costs are covered by designated funding, allowing donations to go further in direct support of programs and services that improve the lives of children nationwide. For more information please visit www.festivalofchildren.org
Contact: Cassady Taylor
Festival of Children Foundation
(714) 438 – 3205
ctaylor@festivalofchildren.org
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