By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
The Help Kids Succeed 5K Run/Walk which took place on Saturday, July 2 at 9:30am had over 100 runners and walkers registered. The 3.1 mile course started at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church (LO UMC) and weaved throughout areas of the village then ended back at the church.
LO UMC Pastor John Ball said all the proceeds go directly to the students in the school district whose families may be struggling financially.
Ball works with educators in both school districts to help identify students in need and students that may fall through the cracks in the system.
Even this year, LO UMC was approached about a student whose family was under hefty financial strain but the student needed hearing aids. Because of events like the 5K, the church was able to purchase the hearing aids.
“We’re not only passionate about students and families in our community but we’re passionate about being able to help those in need,” he said.
“The families and those kids that are facing situations might just need some help navigating some of the challenges and that’s what the church aims to do.”