We just found this story to be very touching and had to share. We all know what a serious issue child abuse is & perhaps gestures such as this can create greater awareness around the country and world…

The Wayne County, North Carolina courthouse atrium next month will be adorned with hundreds of children’s shoes to draw attention to child abuse in the county and state.

Each of the 417 pairs of shoes will represent one of the 417 abused/neglected children in the county last year.

In addition, 50 to 60 black pairs of shoes will represent the number of child abuse deaths across North Carolina last year.

April is Child Abuse Month and commissioners last week were asked for permission to place the shoes in the courthouse and to support other events associated with the observance.

The displays are part of education and outreach activities for the month, said Stoney Blevins, program administrator, Wayne County Adult and Children’s Services.