JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Guardians of the Children (GOC) Salt City chapter’s 13th Annual Kids Day will take place at the Hutchinson Zoo on April 22.
“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we have the Kids Day on the last Saturday of the month, and the Hutchinson Zoo lets us have their space,” Karl Kocher, Guardians of the Children president, said.
The day’s fun-filled events will feature hamburgers donated by Tyson and ice cream sponsored by Mel Hambelton Ford.
Kocher said kids will be able to spend a day at the zoo enjoying various games, moon bounces, a cake walk, bike giveaways throughout the day, as well as train rides sponsored by Tom and Dan’s Tire Service.
Additionally, other than being surrounded by all of the animals Hutchinson Zoo hosts, kids will have the opportunity to meet superheroes. Costumed heroes will be around all day for children to meet.
Live music will also be provided by Pettipaw Country.
Guardians of the Children is a motorcycle club and child advocacy group.
“We have a mission to watch out for child abuse and to educate the public to watch out for it too,” Kocher said. “We serve as advocates, providing strength and stability to families in crisis. We’re here for the abused children.”
Since its inception in 2006, Guardians of the Children strives to create a safer environment for abused and neglected children.
If needed, members will attend court with children. The physical presence of the GOC during such a time, is to assist children in being less intimidated and frightened while testifying against their abuser.
Kocher said the GOC makes itself available at all hours, and will do a number of activities with children to help them feel safe or take their mind off what may be happening.
“If a child calls us in the middle of the night, we’ll hang out with them, talk with them or just make sure they get a good night’s sleep,” Kocher said. “We’re there for support, any time they need us.”
The GOC believes its association as bikers gives unique qualifications to protect children and advocate for their rights, with the ability to call on resources that might not generally be available to the public at large.
“We try to turn them from a victim to a victor,” Kocher said. “We’ll be with them until they’re 18 or until they decide they do not need us any more.”
Kocher said a few of the children the GOC helped grew up and joined the Guardians of the Children.
For questions about future GOC events, or to reach out for advocacy or concerns, call (620) 960-8044 or (620) 960-9075. Find more information on the Guardians of the Children Facebook page and website.
The 13th Annual Kids Day at the Hutchinson Zoo will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bike raffles will start at 11:15 a.m.
Should weather be an issue, the event will be moved to April 29.
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