Pocono News Section

Vigil for the Missing

Vigil for the Missing - Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 04:09AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Saturday May 22 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Angeline Blaylock tried to hold back tears as she shared a message for her son Aaron Turner. She cried, "I miss you and i love you so much and please come home."

She said she'd do anything to have her son back. He was 16 when he went missing about two years ago but she holds on to hope. She said, "Never give up and do all you can to find your child."

She shared her story with dozens of other people at the Project Angel Eyes vigil. So did Pauline Bailey. Her daughter Phylicia Thomas went missing in February of 2004. She was 22. Bailey said, "It's six years and we don't want anybody to forget and we want everybody to keep trying and keep looking and do what they can to find her so we could say goodbye properly."

In addition to hearing stories about missing children, guests also got a lot of information on how to keep their kids safe Bailey said, "You need to be aware of what's in your own backyard."

Volunteers helped families make free identification kits withDNA samples and fingerprints.

Even though the event had a serious message, it wasn't your typical vigil. There were no candles but there was a picnic lunch and party music. Organizer Jessica Shipton explained, "We wanted them to have a day away where they can celebrate their loved one but also make sure people know that they're missing."

To learn more about the project or keeping your family safe visit www. dontforgetme. org .