ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 3, 1992                   TAG: 9202030114
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A5   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short


CHILD ABUSE PROGRAMS TO GET TAX FORM DONATIONS

Gail Catron of Wytheville is head of an organization publicizing a state tax checkoff allowing Virginians to donate all or part of their tax refunds to help prevent child abuse and domestic violence.

Line 27(g) on the 1991 Virginia Individual Income Tax Return, labeled "Family & Children's Trust Fund," allows money to go toward prevention and treatment programs.

The FACT fund is a public-private partnership created by the General Assembly to help fund child abuse and family violence programs. Its 14 trustees were appointed by the governor and social services department commissioner.

"Family violence in Virginia is reaching crisis proportions," Catron said. "We must protect our children from abuse and neglect. If not, we will have to protect society from the children as they grow up."

Those not eligible for refunds can send contributions to FACT, 8007 Discovery Drive, Richmond 23229-8699.

- Southwest bureau



by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB