LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — Hundreds of rubber duckies will float down Quittapahilla Creek for a cause this weekend.
The nonprofit Domestic Violence Intervention of Lebanon County will host its fourth annual Rubber Duck Derby on Saturday. The funds raised at the event help the organization support victims of domestic violence.
"We take people from a moment of crisis and help them transition to a safer life," LeAnne Burchik, executive director of DVI, said.
Participants could adopt one, five, 10 or 20 ducks to send down the water. Three lucky winners will go home with cash prizes for the first ducks to cross the finish line.
Organizers place a net in the water to catch all of the ducks and remove them from the creek at the end of the race.
The Rubber Duck Derby will take place at Quittie Creek between 7th and 8th Streets in downtown Lebanon from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. The derby begins at noon, but there will be a health fair and children's activities set up in the hour before and after.
The event kicks off October, which is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year's theme is Every1KnowsSome1. Organizers say they wish to raise awareness for this sensitive subject in a positive atmosphere.
"We provide safety and seek justice for victims of domestic violence and their families," Burchik said.
Those in need of resources can find more information from the DVI here. All of the nonprofit's services are free and confidential. DVI operates a 24-hour safe house, crisis hotline, assistance with Protection from Abuse Orders (PFAs), counseling, a community support group, assistance with relocation, employment and obtaining social services, medical advocacy, public education and prevention outreach.