FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Exchange Club of Shelby County, a Pelham-based organization, joined the Alabama Family Rights Association in reaching out to the community to raise awareness of a form of child abuse called parental alienation.

While many people across the country are unfamiliar with the term parental alienation, it negatively affects thousands of children, according to a May 2 press release.

The Exchange Club of Shelby County’s participation in the global Parental Alienation Awareness campaign was a success and had a direct impact throughout Shelby County.

Gov. Robert Bentley and 11 Shelby County mayors proclaimed April 24-30 as Parental Alienation Prevention Week, marking April 25 as Parental Alienation Awareness “Bubbles for Love” Day.

The release said the joint organizations completed more than 20 project activities to support the project.

During prevention week, Johnny Ray’s BBQ off Huntley Parkway in Pelham showed its support by creating a Tree of Love Campaign. Guest wrote the names of children, who have been deprived of the love of their parents, on blue or pink hearts to hang from the tree.

On April 25, Valley Elementary students participated in “Bubbles for Love” Day by blowing bubbles at school.

Kenneth Paschal, State Parental Alienation Awareness Coordinator, said the bubbles represent sharing love with our children and emphasize the importance of the role of parents, leaders, and community to ensure our children’s health, safety and well-being.

Pelham’s Texas Roadhouse also hosted a kids’ night to support the movement, which featured activities, such as hula hooping, face painting and blowing soap bubbles.