International Missing Children’s Day and Denim Day Observed Locally on May 10

Ever year on May 25, the United States observes National Missing Children’s Day, a tradition initiated in 1983 with a presidential proclamation by Ronald Reagan. This day is also recognized internationally with International Missing Children’s Day established in 2001. In a separate observance, National Denim Day is held on the last Wednesday of April, which in 2025 falls on April 30.  National Denim Day is meant to raise awareness about sexual violence and combat victim blaming. National Missing Children’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about missing children, acknowledging the efforts of those working toward their safe return, and providing support to the affected families. The reason children go missing are varied and can include wandering off, family abduction, becoming lost or stranger abduction. It is estimated that approximately 460,000 children are reported missing in the U.S. annually.

On Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Rose of Lima and Xtrememeasure, along with other agencies, will be hosting an International Missing Children’s Day and Denim Day event. This is an important awareness event with Denim Day and Missing Children’s Day joining forces. This is also the third annual Denim Day event in Rockaway.

Theresa M Racine, founder of Xtrememeasure, has been spreading awareness of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and getting involved in helping parents find their children for more than 10 years. Racine has an exemplary track record, including finding her 14-year-old granddaughter when she went missing for over a week in Florida, by helping the police with her knowledge of social media. She also aided in finding her own daughter when she was trafficked in Queens, which still remains a hotspot today. She emphasizes that finding a child that has gone missing is all about educating the community beforehand. In her own words, “A lack of knowledge is hope deferred, but when a community comes together with education and knows who they can turn to, they can act quickly and prevent horrific outcomes.” Racine had envisioned a day where she would mesh Denim Day and Missing Children Day together, and that is finally coming to fruition on May 10. Despite changes to the events, the fundamental purpose of this consolidated event remains the same—to educate and promote awareness for prevention, safety, and training.

This year, Racine has included a fight back initiative, which began after attending a fight back fair around two years ago where she met lawyers from Brooklyn, one of whom she has asked to participate virtually. Attendees will be able to ask questions and acquire crucial information at the event. As part of the fight back clinic, there will also be self-defense around the clock, several workshops that will be held by the Queens DA, Protect Our Children, NYPD, New Day Treatment Center, several survivor stories and many more. It is highly recommended that the community steps out and takes advantage of this educational program.

Additionally, Jennifer Streetman, who works with the YMCA, will be leading her kickboxing class, and Veronica Caicedo will be coming back to lead a Zumba class to kickstart the event after the memorial. St. Rose of Lima Children’s Choir will kick off the event with a beautiful memorial for missing children, a large pinwheel garden will be created, provided by Protect Our Children, and the memorial will also be for sexual assault survivors. The memorial will begin at 11 a.m. We encourage the community and media to show up and be a part of this touching memorial.

There will be food and drinks provided, gifts for Mother’s Day while they last, provided by Queens Community Justice Center – The Rockaways, and raffles. There will also be an arts and crafts table for the children and resource tables from local organizations. If you are an organization and want to be a part of this event, please bring your own table and let Moises or Theresa know you will be attending. Theresa can be reached at 646-408-1200 and Moises can be reached 917-600-9891.