Osceola Mills residents are painting the town blue, raising awareness about child abuse weeks after a baby girl was severely abused by her parents.

 

At the time of the incident, baby Lily was three weeks old and when Jennifer Patterson heard about the abuse, she wanted to help.

 

“I wanted to bring our community together,” Patterson said. “I believe that we need to do it together and stand up for the children because we might be all they have.”

 

She believes her initiative ‘Our town blue,’ could be part of the answer.

 

“Just one person speaking up because they saw something can make a huge difference in a child’s future,” Patterson said, urging members of the community to dress their homes in blue. She’s also working to set up an information booth at the local library.

 

“We’re a small community and we have lots of kids here,” Patterson said. “Even though everything might be perfect one day, something tragic could happen the next day. We all have seen how that can occur.”

 

Vicki Maines will host a spaghetti dinner and silent auction fundraiser at the Osceola Mills fire hall, Saturday, April 29 in honor of baby Lily.

 

“I have two teenage children and a 4-month old infant in my house, so she’s my driving factor,” Maines said.

 

All proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network through Geisinger.

 

Vicki maines, organizing benefit dinner

“Come out and show your support for the kids,” Maines said. “Your dollars will make a difference in a child’s life…That’s what it’s all about is saving a child. If we save one, we’re one step ahead in the bottle.”

 

A state trooper says Lily is recovering from two broken legs, a broken rib and internal injuries. She’ll be living in a foster home in the community.