Child Abuse Prevention Month - Trees planted in memory of Annie and Cole

Submitted by Tracy Kennedy Mullins

Family Services Supervisor

While driving throughout the county this month you may notice blue pinwheels or blue ribbons at various locations. These have been distributed at various locations to highlight the fact that April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
During 2020 and early 2021, the Dickenson County Department of Social Services adjusted to pandemic-imposed challenges, while at the same time dealing with the task of facility relocation. At the onset of spring with its welcomed signs of new life, the department seized the opportunity to do some fresh landscaping around the new facility. It was during this time that an anonymous donor chose to provide a memorial marker for Anthony “Cole” Marcum, who was a victim of child abuse. His young life was taken by the hands of those he trusted most. At the Department’s former Brush Creek location, a Dogwood had been planted in honor of Annie Leftwich. As transplanting this well-established Dogwood was unfeasible, Annie’s memorial marker was moved to the new location with the intention of planting a new tree.
The Department is most appreciative to Lowe’s Home Improvement of Wise for donating a beautiful Japanese maple for each child’s memorial.

The employees of the Child Protective Services unit made plans to promote April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and on April 22, all gathered at the Department of Social Services to participate in a landscaping project. The Japanese maples were planted memorializing Annie and Cole, as well as every child from Dickenson County who, over the years, have prematurely left us as a result of child abuse. Joining in the efforts were Josh Evans, agency attorney, Dean Rasnick, Welfare Board member and Shelly Poston, Love Harper. Memories were shared and tears were shed as the event served as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of life. It falls upon us all to ensure the safety and well-being of our precious and innocent children.

If you suspect that a child is being abused, please contact that agency at 276/926-1661 or the Virginia Child Protective Services Hotline, at (800) 552-7096.