Iowans that still need to complete their 2008 income taxes are being reminded that can contribute to child abuse prevention efforts. Amber Russell, with the group Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, says it’s the newest "check-off" on the state tax form.
She says Iowans can donate all or a portion of their state refund to the Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program. Based on contributions to previous state tax check-offs, it’s believed 10,000 Iowans will contribute close to $100,000.
Russell says the Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program has been in existence since 1982 and provide benefits and services state-wide. "The funds are operated as a grant program, which are then redistributed out to counties across the whole state," Russell said.
According to the organization’s Website, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa’s education program reached more than 19,000 adults and 67,000 children in 91 Iowa counties last year.