DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 13, 2019) — Quad Citizens will join together at 3PM on Saturday, September 14, at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport to remember migrant children traumatized at the US-Mexican border by forced separation from their parents and families. There will be a brief service followed by a moment of reflection on the damage inflicted by the practice of family separation. The event was organized by Scott County Supervisor Ken Croken who said: “For more than 50 years, America has designated September 15 through October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to acknowledge the countless contributions of Latino Americans to our nation,” Croken said. “This year, sadly, we also must acknowledge the devastating levels of trauma inflicted on Hispanic children separated from their parents under the US ‘zero tolerance’ policy at our southern border.”
From 3-5PM, Modern Woodmen Park will remain open and offer unlimited amusement rides on the Ferris wheel, roller coaster, kiddy train, carousel, and other attractions for a donation of $5/person. There also will be $2 “meal deals” offered consisting of a hot dog and small drink as well as a larger menu of discounted food and snacks to enjoy. All profits will benefit the child-protection legal services of RAICES, a non-profit agency based in Texas that provides free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. Croken, himself an attorney, will be volunteering with RAICES at the Karnes City (Texas) Detention Center in early November. The public is invited to learn more about RAICES and/or donate directly at the organization’s website: www.raicestexas.org.