In the mid-1980s the National Child Safety Council spearheaded the national milk-carton initiative, publicizing photos of missing and endangered youth at a time when few such programs existed.
Exactly why the effort ended after just a couple of years is not clear, though packaging was probably a factor, with plastic containers overtaking waxed-cardboard cartons in popularity.
Other issues, including financial constraints and the emergence of national missing-children programs, were likely other factors.
Still others say that too many questions were raised about whether it exaggerated the problem, frightened other children, or even worked at all.
It was a short-lived campaign with a lasting impact.The milk-carton initiative -- while still used in countries outside the U.S. -- remains an American icon of sorts, easily recognized even by today's youth.
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Milk-Carton Faces
Short StoryMike disappeared on a clear day. I remember that, at least, though not much else. I was five years old. "Try," the policemen said to me. "Try harder. Remember."
