The idea of losing a child in a department store or at the mall is a parent's worst nightmare, but the reality is that sometimes happens.
On Friday, the Long County Altamaha Masonic Lodge 227 set up a booth at Smiley Elementary School to give out identification kits as part of the Georgia Child Information Program. The program was created to assists law enforcement in locating children, should they ever be abducted or lost.
According to lodge member Walt Pelton, the kits contained the child's fingerprints, dental impression and a photo. The information was put on a CD and given to parents.
"When a child comes up missing, the parent is upset, and often times not thinking straight, the last thing they need to have to do, is try to locate dental records or information on their child," Pelton said. "These disks give the authorities immediate access to identifiable information which can help locate their child."
Pelton said the identification kits were free to all families, and were given out Friday during Smiley Elementary's open house.
Long County Sheriff Cecil Nobles commented on the program.
"These ID kits are a good for parents to have. You never know when it might be your child or grandchild who comes up missing."
Nobles also said the kits need to be stored and kept in a safe but accessible place.
Pelton said he was pleased with the turnout and he hopes to set up another booth in the future.
"I want to thank Smiley for letting us set-up at their school, and I want to thank the sheriff's department for all of their help," Pelton said.
For more information on the Identification Program offered by the Masons you can go to www.gachip.org.
On Friday, the Long County Altamaha Masonic Lodge 227 set up a booth at Smiley Elementary School to give out identification kits as part of the Georgia Child Information Program. The program was created to assists law enforcement in locating children, should they ever be abducted or lost.
According to lodge member Walt Pelton, the kits contained the child's fingerprints, dental impression and a photo. The information was put on a CD and given to parents.
"When a child comes up missing, the parent is upset, and often times not thinking straight, the last thing they need to have to do, is try to locate dental records or information on their child," Pelton said. "These disks give the authorities immediate access to identifiable information which can help locate their child."
Pelton said the identification kits were free to all families, and were given out Friday during Smiley Elementary's open house.
Long County Sheriff Cecil Nobles commented on the program.
"These ID kits are a good for parents to have. You never know when it might be your child or grandchild who comes up missing."
Nobles also said the kits need to be stored and kept in a safe but accessible place.
Pelton said he was pleased with the turnout and he hopes to set up another booth in the future.
"I want to thank Smiley for letting us set-up at their school, and I want to thank the sheriff's department for all of their help," Pelton said.
For more information on the Identification Program offered by the Masons you can go to www.gachip.org.