Essays to mark Parents' Week

The Parent Community Partnership, an organization of 40 government, business, and community leaders, is sponsoring an essay contest in honor of Parents' Week, which begins Sept. 23.

Through Sept. 8, children in kindergarten through 12th grade can submit up to 500 words on the topic, “Why I Love My Parents.” Children can submit essays to Parent Community Partnership Essay, c/o The Community Partnership, 5902 Southwyck Blvd., Suite 1000, Toledo, 43614.

Seven winners will attend the Parents Week kickoff celebration Sept. 23 at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. Parents Week began last year, but this is the first year for the essay contest. Winners will receive a gift certificate from the Ohio Grocers Association to encourage the families to eat together.

“A recent study has shown that teens whose families don't eat together are 72 percent more likely to use illegal drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol,” said Steven Flagg, a Parent Community Partnership committee member.