Two Safe Kids Carbon County Chapter members were recognized for their dedication to the organization that helps teach parents and children how to stay safe.

During the organization's annual award and appreciation luncheon at Macaluso's Restaurant in Nesquehoning, Mary Sinn and Susan Rutt were honored for their years of service.Susan Tyler, co-chairperson of Safe Kids, announced the awards."This year we decided to give the appreciation award to two members that were here since 1995," she said, announcing Rutt and Sinn as the recipients. "They have been working with us for many years and have helped with many projects (like Safe Ride, the bike rodeo, Safety Town, Wheel of Safety, and more)."Tyler added that the group appreciated the work the two women did throughout the years.Sinn, who was the Safe Kids treasurer from 2003 until this year, is the former director of women and children's health and acute rehabilitation at Blue Mountain Health System. She was surprised and thankful for the recognition."It's a wonderful recognition for doing work that I really enjoyed," she said. "The group was wonderful to work with."Rutt, who retired from her position as manager of the Lehigh Carbon Highway Safety program this year, added that if it wasn't for everyone in the group, the programs she helped organize wouldn't have been as successful as they have been."Thank you for all you did to support my programs throughout the years," she said. "I couldn't have done this without all of your help. It was such a blessing to have Safe Kids."Safe Kids Carbon County was organized in 1995 to promote the prevention of childhood injuries in Carbon County through education, collaboration, and advocacy. Safe Kids is a partnership of several agencies and individuals that provide broad-based support and diversity for educational activities. They sponsor effective injury reduction activities, promote awareness and education among child advocates, support public policies and programs that reduce injuries among children and youth.Some of its member agencies include: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Blue Mountain Health System, Carbon County Assistance Office, Carbon County Highway Safety Program, Pennsylvania State Police, Carbon County Head Start, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Child Care Information Services of Carbon County, Carbon County Commissioners, and Right from the Start.