BENTONVILLE, AR When people stop and look at posted pictures of missing children, reunions occur. Three teens has been recovered through Wal-Marts Missing Children's Network. This recovery marks the first six (6) recoveries for 2003 and brings the overall number to 84 since the beginning of the program.
"Wal-Mart customers and associates continue to find missing and exploited children at an outstanding rate," said Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). "People are taking the time to look at the pictures and are sharing in reunions."
A 17 year-old girl had been missing from her home in Chicago, Illinois since April 1, 2002. Her picture was featured on Wal-Mart's Missing Children's Board in numerous locations across the country before she recognized her own photo at the Lafayette (IN) Wal-Mart. Her case was resolved on February 11.
An 16 year-old boy had been missing from his home in Zephyrhills, Florida since November 2002. He had been featured on numerous Wal-Mart Missing Children's Boards before a customer at the Odessa (TX) Wal-Mart, located on NW Loop 338, contacted local authorities with the possible location of the boy. He was recovered on February 28.
A 17 year-old girl who had been missing from her home in Lewisville, Texas since March 2002. After seeing her own photo on the Missing Children's Board at the Wal-Mart Supercentre on West Loop 289 in Lubbock (TX), she made the decision to go home on her own. Her photo had been featured on the boards in numerous locations across the country. She was recovered on March 20, 2003.
Two brothers, ages 13 and 11, were missing from their home in Wichita, Kansas since August 2002. An alert customer shopping at the Wichita Wal-Mart on E. Pawnee recognized the boys' picture on the community poster and contacted local law enforcement. The boys were recovered on February 13.
A 16 year-old girl had been missing from her home in Saint James, Missouri since December 31, 2002 when alert store associates at the Saint Roberts (MO) store recognized from the Missing Children's Board. Her photo had appeared on Missing Children's Boards across the country. She was recovered on March 25.
Since June 1996, Wal-Mart has posted pictures of missing children in the lobbies of all Wal-Mart facilities. The display boards have featured more than 4,943 children, of which more than 3,633 children have been recovered. These reunions bring the program total recoveries to 84 as a direct result of a Wal-Mart customer or associate.
"Through Wal-Mart's Missing Children's Network, a venue has been provided for picture distribution in more than 3, 000 locations," said Allen. "Every customer who enters their doors has the opportunity to share in the success of reuniting a missing child with his or her family. It only takes a look, then a phone call to 1-800-THE-LOST."
For more information, contact NCMEC toll-free at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit their website at http://www.missingkids.com
