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Online Contest Hopes To Save Abused Children In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In the news this week: stories of children being abused. Often you're left with a feeling of outrage, but there is a way you can make a difference.

Mary Bubala reports all you need is a computer.

One click can save a child. The Baltimore Child Abuse Center's quest to win an online contest is all about connecting people to the cause.

On Facebook the votes count in Chase's Online Giving Challenge. The prize is $500,000.

Brooke Poklemba is with the Baltimore Child Abuse Center and says children are the real winners if they can pull this off.

"There are so many things we could do with that money, but I think one of the big things is being able to provide every kindergarten in Baltimore City with prevention materials, being able to train teachers in warning signs, what to provide in their classrooms, so they can prevent child abuse themselves," said Poklemba.

Poklemba, former Miss Maryland 2009, is also on Twitter getting the word out about the vote.

Ravens players, like Michael Oher and Ladarius Webb, have retweeted her message, along with the O's Zach Britton.

The Baltimore City police commissioner, who works closely with the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, cast his vote.

"It's my honor to cast our vote on behalf of the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department," said Commissioner Fred Bealefeld.

"We are the only nonprofit in all of Maryland that has made it to the second round. We were voted as one of the top 100 charities in the country," said Poklemba.

Voting is open until midnight. Click here to vote.

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