Last year the Mothers of Miracles put on its first Stroll and Roll event. The purpose was to help educate and bring awareness to families, friends and neighbors about children with special needs. The organization didn’t know what to expect.
“Last year’s turnout raised over $4,000,” Lesley Skahan said. “We were very excited and surprised with the success.”
Since the first year was so successful the group is putting on the Stroll and Roll again on May 3 at the Iola Riverside Park. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11:30 a.m.
Participants will walk around the park for the event. There will be informational booths and children’s activities during the day. After the walk there will be a sloppy joe or hot dog donation lunch. Skahan said there will be a “Wall of Miracles” as well.
“People can submit stories about children with special needs and their journey,” Skahan said. “We are more than happy to display that. Those who had stories can submit new photos if they want.”
The funds from last year’s event reached many people in the community. With the funds the group aided families with children in the hospital, for children who needed special physical therapy and purchased gifts at Christmastime.
“We wanted to show support to them,” Skahan said. “Sometimes you feel isolated and to know that someone is out there thinking of you helps.”
Different community members have donated items to the MOMs group for a raffle. The Kiwanis group will debut a new edition to the train that many kids love. They made a special cart on the back that allows children with wheelchairs to come aboard.
Pre-registration for the event is encouraged for those who are wanting to wear the event T-shirt at the event. It also helps MOMs plan accordingly for meals. Pre-registration is due on Sunday. Registration forms can be picked up at Iola Vision Source; ACC Endowment Office; Hairbenders and The Feedbunk, Yates Center; Landmark Bank, Kincaid; Emprise Bank, Moran; Emprise Bank, Humboldt or email Kelci Botts at [email protected].
If anyone is interested in a monetary donation they can contact Skahan at [email protected] or 363-4340. Checks can be made payable to MOMs Stroll and Roll.
“We’re hoping to get lots of different people at the event,” Skahan said.
The playground equipment that the MOMs group has worked hard to bring to Iola will begin construction on April 26. The original construction day on April 5 was canceled due to wet conditions. The construction will begin at 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MOMs’ Stroll and Roll highlights special needs
