Local charity holding car wash for anti-bullying program

Our Children First will hold the event on Saturday, Sept. 2.


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  • | 3:33 p.m. August 11, 2017
Our Children First CEO and Founder Christina Markoff. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Our Children First CEO and Founder Christina Markoff. Photo by Nichole Osinski
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The Our Children First non-profit is trying to raise money for a new martial arts program that promotes anti-bullying.

To help run the program, the organization is holding a car wash from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. The non-profit, which serves Volusia and Flagler counties, is geared toward helping children who have been abused. 

Christina Markoff, the CEO and founder, said she is trying to expand the non-profit to include more events and programs, such as the marital arts class, "Break the Chains," for the children. Markoff said one martial arts class has already been held. 

"There are far too many out there that need us and they're not able to participate in regular programs," Markoff said "And anything that our particular organization does is always try to keep everything free for the children and their families."

Our Children First is partnering with New Life Church to introduce "Break the Chains," which focuses on anti-bullying and was formed to equip children with "the skills they need to feel empowered and protected, mentally and physically."

The program, which also includes mentoring, instructs students on appropriate times to use the skills they have learned to de-escalate situations, according to the organization's Facebook page. While learning anti-bullying strategies, the students will have the chance to work toward earning their belts and to progress through the program through different levels and while working toward their individual goals.

"The organization is actually doing fairly well right now," Markoff said. "We just had a backpack giveaway where we helped over 175 children receive backpack supplies, shoes and even some uniforms."

Markoff said the organization is currently in the planning stage for more fundraisers and events held later in the year. She added she is working to get 103.3 The Vibe radio station to get involved with the car wash event as well. Markoff said a team from Target is also planning to come out for the car wash to help. 

"The community seems to be really responsive," Markoff said. "It really makes me feel really good inside to know that the community is taking part in all this because that's the way it should be, the community should be helping each other."

The car wash will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Ritter's Frozen Custard, 4629 S Clyde Morris Blvd. 

For more information on Our Children First or the organization's programs, visit facebook.com/nonprofitourchildrenfirst. 

 

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