DISTRICT 84 TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT TO OFFER FREE CHILD SAFETY ID CARDS

Aurora, Ill – Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) is proud to announce that this year’s Kids Expo and Touch-A-Truck event will feature an opportunity for families to obtain free Kids ID Cards, thanks to a new partnership with the Illinois Tollway. The child identification cards are a simple and proven way to keep kids safe, and will be made on-site at the event scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, at the Phillips Park Aquatic Center in Aurora. The ID Cards are just the newest addition to what will be an exciting day filled with big rigs, emergency vehicles, a helicopter landing, and more for children of all ages to safely explore.

“Providing parents and caregivers with a Kids ID Card can keep children safe by making it easier for authorities to locate and identify a lost or missing child,” said Representative Kifowit, emphasizing the importance of the program. “We believe this safety initiative will help keep children safe and parents worry-free.”

The Kids ID Cards include critical information that can assist law enforcement in the search and recovery of a missing child. Trained professionals will be on-site to take photographs and fingerprints of children aged three and older, gathering vital information to include on the ID cards that parents and caregivers can reference in an emergency. The information on the Kids ID Cards is not stored in a database but is intended for immediate use if a child goes missing.

Surveys indicate that up to 90 percent of families will temporarily lose a child in a public place at some point, making tools like the Kids ID Card crucial in providing police with accurate descriptions to help locate lost children. According to the Department of Justice, approximately 797,500 kids are reported missing each year. 

In addition to the Kids ID Cards, the 2024 Kids Expo and Touch-A-Truck Event will feature dozens of trucks and vehicles for children to explore, including big rigs, emergency vehicles, work trucks, an EV Hummer, and a Superior Ambulance helicopter.

“This event is one of my favorite ways to connect with the community,” said Representative Kifowit. “It’s a fun and educational day for families, where children can explore vehicles they usually only see from afar and learn about the important work that keeps our community running. I encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the activities, and take advantage of the free Kids ID Cards. It’s a great opportunity to ensure our children’s safety while having a wonderful time together.”

Beyond the vehicles, the event will include a variety of informational booths and interactive exhibits from local organizations, including the Fox Valley United Way/Spark diaper drive booth, the City of Aurora’s special census booth, VNA Healthcare, Waubonsee Community College, and many more. The State Treasurer’s ICASH program will also have a booth, offering valuable information to attendees.

For added fun, face painting will be provided by Nick Cortino, a State Farm agent, and there will be demonstrations by the Phillips Park Zoo. Other attractions include the Aurora Public Library bookmobile and The Scoop ice cream truck. The event will be held rain or shine and is sure to be a memorable day for families in the community.

For more information, please contact State Representative Stephanie Kifowit at (630) 585-1308 or stephanie.kifowit@att.net