As of January, Coos County counted 273 of its children as wards of the court due to child abuse and neglect. Forty-two more children have entered the system since then, according to a press release from the Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Coos County.

Every month more than 10 new child victims have been identified.

To raise awareness of concerns such as these, CASA will host the Light of Hope Candlelight Vigil at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Coos Bay Boardwalk. The vigil supports local efforts to fight child abuse throughout the month of April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. It is one of several awareness and education activities being held in Coos County this month.

The CASA program hopes to encourage community members to come together to show their support for Coos County children by attending the vigil. Several speakers will share brief remarks at the event and music will be provided by the South Coast Peace Choir.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own candles, but there also will be candles available.

Affiliated with the National CASA Association, CASA of Coos County is an organization that trains community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.

For more information on the vigil or how to be a CASA supporter, those interested can call 396-1074.