HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Healthy Families is just one Hutchinson-area program that Red Stocking Breakfast supports. Child abuse prevention efforts and education programs, the period of purple crying and the Parent Helpline (1-800-CHILDREN), are all made possible thanks to Red Stocking Breakfast funds.

While many of these programs are federally or state funded, and some receive additional support from United Way and other grant sources, all rely on the Red Stocking Breakfast funds to serve their area.

Kansas Children’s Service League prevention and education programs are designed to help keep children safe and families strong, according to Vicky Roper, director of “Prevent Child Abuse Kansas” at KCSL. “By helping families early, before problems arise, we increase the likelihood that at-risk children are raised in a safe and supportive home – which numerous studies show decreases the probability for negative childhood outcomes such as truancy and substance abuse.”

This year’s event will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at Carlos O’Kelly’s, 909 E. 30th. All proceeds will help support KCSL’s Hutchinson-area prevention and education programs.

Carlos O’Kelly’s donates all the food for the breakfast; 100 percent of the funds raised benefit KCSL programs and services. The event features a breakfast buffet served by local “celebrities” and free photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Attendees also have a chance to win two roundtrip airline tickets from Southwest Airlines, and they can bid on several silent auction items from local retailers. Other sponsors include Cox Communications, Westar Energy, Portfolio Recovery Associates, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Kansas Gas Service, V&M Transport Inc., Tyson Foods, First National Bank of Hutchinson, J & J Drainage Products Co., Dillon’s, James and Sharon Peterson and Kroger Co. Foundation.

“Attending Red Stocking Breakfast supports children and families in the Hutchinson area, while having a great breakfast with family and friends,” David Austin, director of fund development for KCSL, said. “By attending a breakfast in your area, you’re helping ensure the future availability of programs that keep children safe and strengthen families.”

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door (children age 10 and under eat free). Advance tickets are available online at www.kcsl.org.