Small acts can add up to make a big difference. On October 18, 2008, individuals from around the Capital Region will gather at Washington Park in Albany to show their support for child abuse prevention by walking for children. Walking for children may be a small act, but it will make a big difference.

The sense of camaraderie we felt at last year’s walk inspired us to create a bigger and better event this year. Our efforts have paid off. Team leaders are rallying their team members, spreading the word, and raising money for a cause they feel passionately about.

Team leader Kim Panting describes how she and her teammates from the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) became involved in the walk. “Two of my colleagues and I were talking one day about getting involved in the community by doing some volunteer work. We decided that it would be a good idea to take a look at finding a few causes that we were interested in supporting and try to rally some other SEMO employees to get involved to make a difference. We came across the Walk for Children on volunteermatch.org and knew it would be a perfect event for SEMO. SEMO of course embraced the idea and everyone started getting interested in lending a hand.”

Small acts—like a few co-workers having a conversation about community involvement—can add up to make a big difference. Team SEMO includes eleven walkers and seven volunteers who have already raised over $1,500!

Team Target is also working hard to make a difference. The major event sponsor, Target’s commitment to preventing child abuse and other important causes deserves special commendation. Since 1946, Target has given five percent of its income to the communities it serves. Today, that equals more than $3 million every week to support education, the arts, social services and team member engagement. “It is important that every child is treated with respect!” said Target team leader Jennifer Woodin. “Children are our future.”

Of course, the funds raised in the Walk for Children make a difference to PCANY and therefore to New York’s children. It also makes a difference to our staff. It gives us the opportunity to talk with our supporters and provide them with a family-focused event. Seeing so many people gathered in support of our mission leaves us feeling renewed in our promise to protect New York’s children.

And it makes a difference to our walkers. They enjoy the satisfaction of doing good for their community while also enjoying a special occasion with their family, friends, or co-workers. Many Team SEMO and Team Target members will be walking with their families. “In the future, I plan to share our experience in this worthy cause with my daughter Skyler,” said Panting. “I think it’s a great opportunity to teach children that we all have the responsibility of giving back to the community.”

The Walk for Children will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at Washington Park in Albany. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 10 a.m. The event includes free food and refreshments, prizes, kids’ arts and crafts, Halloween activities, a bounce house, and safety demonstrations. Visit preventchildabuseny.org to learn more.