April 2, 2026 - The Bettendorf Police Department (BPD) is continuing its popular Patch Program in April with a new patch donning an important symbol - a blue pinwheel.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and for the first time, BPD is partnering with
Melody of Hope Advocacy Center to raise awareness and money for this local nonprofit organization, formerly known as the Child Protection Response Center, which was established to provide prevention, assessment, treatment, and referral services for abused, maltreated, and/or traumatized children and their families in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.
"Melody of Hope Advocacy Center is the children's advocacy center serving Eastern Iowa, and we are 1 of 6 serving the state of Iowa," said Tony Holland, Program Manager. "Melody of Hope is here to serve children and their families, and through your support, we are able to accomplish that mission."
To help share the mission of Melody of Hope, BPD designed the Child Abuse Prevention Patch, which features blue pinwheels, which are the national symbol of child abuse and neglect prevention, according to the
Pinwheels for Prevention® Campaign through
Prevent Child Abuse America.
"One of the most popular ways to show your support for Child Abuse Prevention Month is to use these blue pinwheels," said Holland. "The pinwheel reminds us that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood. It is not enough to respond to child abuse and neglect. We must build and support strong families. We must utilize education, engagement, programs, and policies to develop communities that are healthy, safe, and nurturing for all children and all families."
Anyone can pre-order a patch for $10 along with apparel that showcases the patch from our
online store. The online store, created by LogoPro in Bettendorf, is open until Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m. Patches are also available to purchase at BPD (1609 State Street) during regular business hours. 100% of the proceeds will go to Melody of Hope.
"Those donations will help us provide services to children in need - children who have been impacted by the acts of others and are now finding their forward," said Holland.
"As a community, our first duty is to protect those who cannot protect themselves," said Chief Doug Scott, BPD. "As we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded that safeguarding children is not only a law-enforcement priority, it is a shared commitment to the well-being of every child in our city. Every report, every concern, and every moment of vigilance can make a life-changing difference. Together, during this month of awareness and throughout the year, we can ensure that every child has the safe and supportive environment they deserve."
The Child Abuse Prevention Patch is part of BPD's Patch Program, which includes a Heart Disease Awareness Patch worn in February, an Autism Awareness Patch worn in years past in April, a Mental Health Awareness Patch worn in May & September, a Patriotic Patch worn in June & July, and a Breast Cancer Awareness Patch worn in years past in October.