Charity Walk Planned for Wolf Creek

An upcoming event aims to give locals a good reason to work up a sweat.

The third-annual Walk 4 Smiles event is set for 10 a.m. at Wolf Creek Park on March 26.

The event will have participants walk a course in the park for an hour as a fund-raising event for Smiles 4 Kylee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving backpacks and other school supplies to children in need.

The group also gives away gently used shoes, books, toys and clothing to children of all ages at its headquarters at 40880 County Center Dr. It’s open to the public Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The organization started in 2006 a few months after a tragic car crash took the life of Kylee McCreight, the daughter of the organization’s founders.

Tad and Vanessa McCreight were driving with their three children east on Scott Road and turning left onto Highway 79 when a truck sideswiped their car.

Everybody in the car sustained only minor injuries, but Kylee was unresponsive, her mother said. The child never regained consciousness.

Her parents wanted to keep her memory alive by doing something positive, so they started Smiles 4 Kylee.

Since Kylee’s sister, Hanna, was 3 years old, she’s been walking – and running – in the event. “She began spreading smiles along with our family and close friends, all expecting nothing in return,” her mother said. “We encourage other children and families to join in spreading these contagious smiles.”

The organization is also set to host two other events. It will hold a rummage sale at its headquarters on March 12 and an Easter egg hunt at Margarita Park on April 16.

The organization is looking for volunteers to help with the events. To donate your time, click here.

http://www.smiles4kylee.com/up-coming-events.php