A committee that organizes activities to build community awareness and education geared toward childhood safety has turned 30.

State representatives, county commissioners and others were on hand for the 30th anniversary of the Carbon County Kid Zone held Tuesday at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Carbon Campus in Mahoning Township.

Chris Simock, a volunteer with Carbon County Kid Zone, welcomed those in attendance and noted the many years the organization has provided safety education to the families of Carbon County.

Terry Purcell, president of the Northwest Region at Lehigh Valley Health Network who has also taken on leadership responsibilities for LVH-Carbon, said it was a great event.

Purcell thanked the state legislators as well as the Carbon County commissioners for their support.

“There’s nothing better than seeing our children safe,” Purcell said.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley said the number one priority is the kids and keeping them safe.

“We want to keep the kids safe in Carbon County,” Heffley said.

Heffley then thanked the organization for 30 years, and said he looked forward to another 30 more years.

Brad Hurley, representing state Sen. David Argall’s office, alluded to the Community Safety Day that was held in May at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

“It’s an amazing event,” Hurley said. “It does make a difference.”

Sharon Alexander, president, Carbon County Community Foundation, added she believes 30 years is “a real testament” to the organization’s work.

Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein then gave an historical presentation.

“It’s great to see a lot of the people who volunteered over the years,” Nothstein said.

Nothstein said the group held its first meeting on Oct. 10, 1995, in the Lehighton Recreation Center.

He then spoke about the many programs organized by Carbon County Kid Zone, such as free car seat checks, community fairs, law enforcement promotion and partnership, and the Community Safety Day held at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

“Thank you for your support in keeping our children safe,” Nothstein said. “Stay safe, stay healthy and volunteer for these safety programs.”

Mindy Graver, chairperson and longtime member of Safe Kids Carbon County, praised the organization for its 30 years of being in existence and encouraged others to volunteer.