Helping homeless kids, moms one step at a time

Many organizations sponsor fundraising walks, but Wayside Cross Ministry officials say theirs is the only one that will let you hike in the shoes of those you benefit.

The second annual winter Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraiser will step off at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Aurora Community Center, 501 College Ave.

Proceeds will benefit Wayside's Urban Youth Ministry for at-risk youth and the Lifespring Center of Wayside Cross Ministries, a transitional living center for homeless women and children.

"With the added cold winter element, this walk is able to show walkers what it's like to not have the simple necessities of life," said Lynda McCann, director of the Lifespring Ministry. "A simple mile walk that you can do in an hour or less can help change someone's life."

McCann said the walk's goal is to raise $100 per walker with more than 200 expected participants.

"If we get a nice sunny day, we're blowing that goal out of the water this year," she said.

Last year's event raised nearly $17,000. Special appreciation gifts will be presented to each walker.

"We are always thankful for those who come alongside us in our efforts to reach out to and share resources within our community," said Scot Thurman, director of Urban Youth Ministry.

McCann said Lifespring Ministry's 12-month residential program restores hope and rebuilds lives by helping each woman make positive changes in her life to benefit herself and her children.

The Urban Youth Ministry aims to help kids grow physically, mentally and spiritually. The after-school Kids Clubs, academic tutoring, sports programs and day camps nurture hundreds of kids in the Aurora area throughout the year.

A route map and other information about the walk is available at www.walk-a-mile-aurora.org. Individuals and walking groups are encouraged to register at the Web site.

Walk-up donations and walkers also are welcome. For more details, call McCann at (630) 851-0187 or (630)723-3405.

If you go

What: Wayside Cross Ministries' second annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraiser

Where: Aurora Community Center, 501 College Ave.

When: Walk begins at 9 a.m. Saturday; registration starts on site at 8:30 a.m.

Cost: $100 per walker donation

Info: (630) 851-0187 or visit www.walk-a-mile-aurora.org