Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano announces that Lauren’s Kids will be the tax collector’s featured charitable organization for the month of June. Lauren’s Kids is a statewide organization that works each day to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. Additionally, Lauren’s Kids helps heal survivors with guidance and support. Lauren’s Kids was started in 2007 by Lauren Book, now a state senator and herself a victim of years of childhood sexual abuse by a trusted caregiver. Senator Lauren Book has taken her own experiences and has turned them into an opportunity to help children find hope and healing.
Individuals who have vehicle registrations coming due in June can trade-in their existing license plate for a Lauren’s Kids specialty plate. Customers may also purchase the tag for newly registered vehicles. Customers who purchase a specialty tag will be entered into a drawing for a gift card. Additionally, customers may also check the box on the back of their registration form to donate $1.00, $5.00, $10.00 or more to the cause. Cash donations separate from vehicle registration and renewals will also be accepted.
“I encourage customers to consider supporting the excellent work that Senator Lauren Book and her organization do to help children heal from dreadful abuse,” Tax Collector Mike Fasano comments. “Senator Book estimates that 95% of sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness.
The specialty tag and the check-off promotion run through the month of June. Contributions to Lauren’s Kids can be made at all five tax collector locations in Pasco County: Wesley Chapel, Gulf Harbors (US Highway 19, New Port Richey), Land O’ Lakes (north of the Central Pasco Government Center), East Pasco Government Center (Dade City) and the West Pasco Government Center (Little Road, New Port Richey). Contributions can also be added to renewals that are processed via the mail. For more information about the charitable giving program and/or the specialty tag/check-off promotion, please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847- 8179.