Dozens of children in Sampson County need a voice; they need someone’s attention and they need someone’s concern.

Unfortunately, it is a need few understand and fewer still recognize.

Put simply, over 130 youngsters living in our midst suffer from abuse and/or neglect, and they need a strong voice. That voice comes in the form of volunteers willing to step forward, speak on their behalf and voice findings that will determine a child’s future.

Fortunately in Sampson County, there are a few compassionate souls who’ve willingly stepped forward to offer their voice on behalf of those children. Sadly, there are not nearly enough.

Currently there are few guardians ad litem in Sampson County who offer their time to these children, who assess their needs, review their situations and, in court, offer suggestions they believe will be in a youngster’s best interest.

Most importantly, they work with the child, getting to know them and finding out what, exactly, it is the youngster wants to see happen, and then taking that into court and offering it to the judge.

They are, without question, the child’s voice in hearings that determine where that child will live and with whom, the designer, if you will, of a young person’s future.

The responsibility is a hefty one, but without question filled with rewards.

If one is going to give of their time to a cause, what better cause could be found than helping children, particularly those who need that help the very most.

Imagine if you will a 4-year-old, abused by his parents, feeling unloved and deserted, his wants and desires, likely not considered.

What if you could help? What if you could visit with that child, listen to that child and, in so doing, show that child that he does matter in this world, that what he wants counts for something?

The truth is, you can simply by becoming a guardian ad litem, by offering the few hours it takes to be trained and the hour or so each week it would require to work with a child and appear in court on behalf of that child.

With only a handful of guardians ad litem in Sampson right now and over 100 children to advocate for, it’s easy to see the need remains great.

Everyone deserves a voice, particularly children who’ve been kicked aside and made to believe what they think and what they want doesn’t matter.

We can turn that around simply by offering our voice to them.

For those willing to become that voice, being a part starts by calling 910-275-7102 or visiting www.gal4kids.org.

The voice you offer could make a world of difference in the life of a child.