Glade Run Lutheran Services will be one of 80 area health and human service agencies to participate in Highmark's “Walk for a Healthy Community” May 13 on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Since joining the annual event in 2010, Glade Run has raised over $50,000 for the people it serves.

ZELIENOPLE — An upcoming walk aims to help children and families in need through Glade Run Lutheran Services, as well as other health and human service agencies.

About 80 area agencies will be at Highmark's “Walk for a Healthy Community” on May 13 at Stage AE in Pittsburgh from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants can either do a 5K or a one-mile fun run.

All proceeds will go to participating agencies, including Glade Run, which has offices in Zelienople, Cranberry Township and Butler.

Glade Run will help individuals and families it serves.

“That is an amazing benefit,” Charles Lockwood, Glade Run president and CEO, said in a news release. “It's important for our supporters to realize that all of their efforts will be directed toward helping the vulnerable children and families that Glade Run serves. With the number of children in need on the rise, it is more important than ever before for community members to come together and participate in such a worthwhile fundraising effort.”

Glade Run has been involved with the walk since 2010 and has raised nearly $50,000 to directly support the people it serves.

Event organizer Cheryl Martin said that between 50 and 75 people representing Glade Run participate in the event.

The nonprofit organization annually serves over 4,000 families and children in Western Pennsylvania by providing mental health, educational and autism program offerings. It also operates St. Stephen's Lutheran Academy, which contracts with over 50 local school districts that refer children with behavioral and emotional issues and autism who are not successful in a public school setting.

“This is such a fun event to be involved in,” Sheila Talarico, executive director for the Glade Run Foundation, said about the walk. “Participants have a chance to visit agency tables, enjoy music and mascots and there are even activities for the kids. It makes you feel good to see so many people come together in support those in need.”

Those who are unable to make the event, but would still like to contribute can make a donation.

To register for the walk, donate or find out more information, visit www.walkforahealthycommunity.org or contact Glade Run Foundation at 724-452-4453, Ext. 1277.