The New York Islanders have teamed up once again with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a private, (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 1984. The mission of the organization is to serve as the nation’s resource on the issues of missing and sexually exploited children. The organization provides information and resources to law enforcement, parents and children including child victims as well as other professionals.

The Islanders will host a National Center Fundraising Night on Thursday, March 7, 2013 against the New York Rangers. The game’s festivities will include a puck drop by NCMEC co-founder and host of America’s Most Wanted John Walsh, a 50/50 raffle and Chuck-a-Puck, with a percentage of all the proceeds going to the National Center. Fans will also be able to text to donate to the National Center.

Last season, the Islanders raised over $50,000 for the NCMEC during a March 29, 2012 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The NCMEC has become the leading nonprofit organization in the U.S. working with law enforcement to address the problems of missing and sexually exploited children. Today the work of the organization includes 19 different Congressional mandates. Despite major strides over the organization’s 28-year existence, an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing each year – more than 2,000 children every day.

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The NCMEC has provided 10 ways parents can keep their kids safe.

NetSmartz

NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children providing age appropriate activities to help teach children how to be safer while online and in the real world. The program provides free materials including games, animated videos, print activities, articles and more for children ages 5-17.

Families, educators, and law enforcement help children become more aware of potential online risks and empower them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on the Internet and in the real world. With NetSmartz children enhance their ability to recognize and avoid potential dangers, and most importantly, families strengthen communication between adults and children both at school and at home.

My Rules for Internet Safety: 1.    I will tell my trusted adult if anything makes me feel sad, scared or confused 2.    I will ask my trusted  adult before sharing information like my name, address, and phone number 3.    I won’t meet face-to-face with anyone from the Internet 4.    I will always use good netiquette and not be rude or mean online

Please go to www.missingkids.com and donate to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.