We may be getting ready to usher in a new calendar year, but the Kids Walk school year is underway and off to a great start!

Since the start of the new school year, 5 area schools have already raised more than $25,000 for JDRF through our Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes program. The program was embraced this fall by the students and staff at Midland Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Evans Elementary, Otisville Elementary and the Saint Paul School where students learned a great deal about diabetes before supporting their classmates through their fundraising efforts. Special thanks goes out to Otisville Elementary School who, this year alone, raised nearly $13,000, bringing their 7 year total to more than $60,000 raised for JDRF!

Every school in our territory has the opportunity to be a part of this special program that aims to educate, teach empathy and empower our school communities. JDRF’s Kids Walk program provides schools with a meaningful way to involve students in a philanthropic effort that emphasizes these “three E’s.” Here’s how:

• Educate: JDRF’s Kids Walk program is all about educating students. Through our educational assemblies, students learn about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and they are encouraged to share what they’ve learned with everyone at home.
• Empathize: Learning about the daily challenges faced by people living with T1D teaches students to empathize. It creates an atmosphere of positive character building and community service in your school.
• Empower: the JDRF Kids Walk program empowers even the youngest child to make a difference in the lives of those in their immediate community as well as the larger community.

If you haven’t already heard about our Kids Walk program, check it out online at kidswalk.jdrf.org or contact the JDRF office to learn more.

Engaging students in service efforts that impact the everyday lives of others is a worthy initiative. Celebrate a new year and usher in the start of spring by encouraging your school to register for JDRF’s Kids Walk program today!