Walk to School Day Oct. 5 promotes active lifestyles

International Walk to School Day, Thursday, Oct. 5, is a fun activity that encourages community leaders to consider the feasibility and accessibility of walking to school in their neighborhoods.

Last year, there were more than 70 elementary and middle schools actively participating and promoting safe, healthy and active transportation to school.

This year, Making Kane County Fit for Kids hopes to engage even more schools, students and families in this great awareness raising event.

Fit for Kids is offering a $150 stipend to the parent teacher organization at each participating elementary and middle school.

Sponsors for this year's event include: Aldi, Shodeen Family Foundation, City of Elgin, City of Aurora, Advocate Sherman Hospital, Presence Health and the Rotary Club of Aurora.

Walk or Bike to School Day is a day celebrated internationally to promote the importance of physical activity by engaging schools, students, and communities.

It's a one-day event geared toward creating change in community culture and creating mobility and transportation options for all.

While the event only occurs once per year, it's a conversation starter and change initiator for schools and communities.

To learn more about the local efforts to make children healthier, go to www.makingkanefitforkids.org or check out www.facebook.com/fitforkids/.

To learn more about International Walk to School Day, go to www.walkbiketoschool.org.