A long-standing tradition in Henry County is set to continue this week, to benefit programs for local seniors.
The 25th Annual Miles for Meals Walk is scheduled for May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Jason T. Harper Event Center at Heritage Park in McDonough. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.
All proceeds from the event, hosted by the Henry County Council on Aging, will go toward services and programs for senior adults in Henry County. Participants will walk on trails throughout Heritage Park, with routes to fit all fitness levels.
The walk is held on the first Saturday of May each year, as part of Older Americans Month. It is the primary fundraiser each year for the Council on Aging, said Henry County Senior Services Director Diane Reed.
She said hundreds of seniors benefit from the services the department provides each month.
“As of last month Senior Services had 234 seniors receiving home delivered meals and 164 receiving supportive service in their homes,” said Reed. “We have four senior centers and average daily attendance exceeds 500.”
Ann Marie Quincey is the coordinator for the walk. She said last year’s event, which brought in approximately 150-200 participants, generated more than $36,000 to assist programs for local seniors.
“The money is used to support Meals on Wheels and in-home personal care for seniors in Henry County,” said Quincey. “The money we get through the Miles for Meals Walk, that’s just one of the funding sources that we have to provide our services. There’s several different funding sources.”
Quincey said she hopes to raise $40,000 with funds from this year’s walk. She acknowledged that population growth in the area, in recent years, has made it more difficult to generate enough money to meet the needs of seniors in Henry County.
Still, she said she is thankful for the ongoing support of the community for the walk and its mission to help seniors.
Each walker who raises at least $25 will receive a commemorative T-shirt, a lunch ticket and a door prize. For more information, e-mail aquincey@co.henry.ga.us, call 770-288-6975 or visit henrycountyevents.com.
