Kids Day International to be Celebrated in Roswell

Roswell will soon join hundreds of communities around the world in celebrating the seventeenth annual Kids Day America/International™ event on Oct. 13, thanks to the efforts of a local chiropractor. 

Via the support of local city officials, emergency departments and healthcare personnel, the special day promotes health, safety and environmental awareness through free activities for the community.

"I became involved because it’s just a great thing to do. Our children are more at risk today than ever before," said Dr. John Webster of Roswell Health and Injury Center. "Being a healthcare provider that sees children, as well as a father of three, I realized we could do a better job protecting our kids."

To date, the event has helped over 5 million children and their families throughout the world by providing child safety ID cards. Kids Day International gives parents "a place to go to learn about health awareness, fire safety, bicycle safety, internet safety, recycling, drug awareness and many other important topics that address keeping our children safe," says the event flyer.

"Anyone or organization that offers a product or service that assist or protects children are welcome to participate," said Webster, who already has a dentist, optometrist, chiropractor, physical therapy group and others lined up to provide their services during the event.

According to Webster, a key part of the event is the child ID record, which will contain a photograph of the child with all contact info, as well as, notes about their dental record, all identification markings and their fingerprints done by the Roswell Police Department.

"As you probably know, human trafficking is present in our area. I am a Roswell Rotarian and we have taken up this cause locally," said Webster. "We will have organizations here to offer parents and guardians advice on how to avoid this tragedy with their children."

In addition to setting up a booth, local organizations with information or services to share with the community may drop off information to be included in goody bags that will be handed out.

The event is entirely free. Organizations do not pay an entry fee to attend and local residents don't pay to participate in any activity or service. Some businesses may sell food and drinks, however.

For the most part though, " these professionals are donating their time and services to help our children," Webster said.

The event is still in need of some support, including a shuttle to take attendees to and from their cars at Nalley Toyota and SunTrust bank, a P.A. system, as well as help with printing flyers for the event and instant cameras for the child photo I.D.s.

"Everyone who helps will be listed as a sponsor and given recognition," said Webster.

The event will take place Oct. 13 from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Roswell Health and Injury Center, 11490 Alpharetta Hwy in Roswell. To support the event, contact the Roswell Health and Injury Center office 770-442-3343.