Benton, AR- The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)  the Benton Police Department, and other community organizations are observing National Missing Children’s Day on Tuesday, May 25th by promoting prevention through a Take 25 event at the Benton Municipal Building from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

Take 25 is a national child safety campaign that encourages parents and guardians to take time to talk to their children about ways to stay safer.  Created by NCMEC, Take 25 promotes an ongoing dialogue between children, families, and communities about child safety. 

First proclaimed National Missing Children’s Day by former President Ronald Reagan in 1983, May 25th serves as an annual reminder to the nation to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families, remember those who are still missing, and to make child protection a national priority.  National Missing Children’s Day helps call attention to the estimated 2,200 children reported missing every day in the United States alone. 

During the Take 25 event, the Benton Police Department will be providing parents and guardians with vital prevention tools and information they need to talk with their children about ways to stay safer.  We will also be handing out child identification kits they can take home with them.  Members of the Benton Fraternal Order of Police will also be on hand to assist with the event and to hand out promotional items to the children. 

If you have any questions please call Lt. Kevin Russell at 501-776-5948 or to learn more about the NCMEC and the issue of missing and exploited children you may call them toll-free at 1-800-THE-LOST.