LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — The Lehigh Acres community came together to make a difference.
In response to the numerous children killed in hit and run accidents in Lee County, Shield 4 Kids partnered with the community to paint benches to be placed at local bus stops.
The lack of sidewalks and street lights in Lee County have lead to an alarmingly high number of children killed in hit and run accidents.
The latest victim, was 14-year-old Allana Staiano.
“There’s no where near enough lights…the cars don’t slow down around here, they are very fast…they don’t pay attention, and there are not enough lights, ” said Heather Atwood.
Today’s event works to ensure children have a safe place to sit while waiting for school buses in Lehigh Acres.
“I have a lot of friends who ride the best to school and I just don’t want anyone getting hurt, ” said Lillian Lord.
Young people say they are taking a stance against reckless drivers.
“People don’t watch out for little people when they’re driving also, ” said Damion Lord.
“There should be more safety for kids...because its super sad when they get hurt, ” Savannah Atwood.
One volunteer urges drivers to slow down in neighborhoods, and children to stay aware.
“ Pay attention because bad things can happen even on a good day, “Michael Driekorn.
The organization Shield 4 Kids says this event was just a start, there is still so much more to be done to ensure the safety of our children.
“Just a handful of people are not going to make the impact that we need to be making, “ said James Branham.
“It’s going to take all of us educating our children, educating our parents, educating the community, and the county to know what needs we have and how we need to help our community and keep our kids safe,” said Gwynetta Jenkins.
Shield 4 Kids hopes to do more public events like these to bring the community to together in making a difference.
For information on how to can help, head to www.swfloridashield.com
