The Pregnancy Care Center’s 22nd annual Walk for Life is scheduled for Sept. 22 at Englewood Park. Registration will begin at 9:15 a.m and the 2-mile walk will begin at 10:15 a.m. Through 21 years of Walks, supporters have donated more than $1.7 million in the Pregnancy Care Center.

But what are participants walking for – really? Last year, the Pregnancy Care Center ministry effectively helped women, men and their families in crisis through 1,853 visits to the center. Among those helped, 68 percent are under the age of 25 and 80 percent of those are single. Seventy-four ultrasounds were performed, and 217 STD/HIV tests were administered.

Not only are the clients of this ministry offered information and emotional support, they also are offered spiritual support. Last year, the Gospel was shared to 447 clients resulting in 107 new believers and recommitments.

“The Walk For Life is our time to raise awareness and appreciation for God’s precious gift of life,” said Kay Gurganus, executive director. “If you have not joined the PCC at a Walk, please consider making this year the first of many – and encourage your church, your family and your friends to come.”

The Walk For Life gives everyone who cares about unborn children, their mothers and their families the opportunity to help in a practical way. Last year, more than 500 people participated and sponsored walkers raised more than $103,000 in contributions.

There also will be family fun before and after the walk with music, balloon art, face painting and food provided by Griffin’s Stop & Shop, Boddie Noell Enterprises, Krispy Kreme and Little Caesar’s Pizza. Chick-fil-A coupons will be available for sponsored walkers.

Those who raise $100 or more in pledges are eligible for a free T-shirt that signifies support of this life-changing, life-saving ministry that is “making a difference one life at a time.” With $150 in pledges, participants receive a T-shirt and a “Precious Feet” lapel pin that is identical in size to an unborn baby’s feet at 10 weeks.

“The rewards for walking are the lives you will be saving and helping through this ministry,” Gurganus said. “There are also tangible rewards, as well.”

Walkers with pledges and contributions of $200 or more are eligible for prizes donated by local businesses. Children and teens who have the most sponsors and the most pledges also are eligible for prizes.

“The Walk is our ministry’s major fundraiser and provides 30 percent of our operating budget and our goal is $115,000,” said Richard Laney, Pregnancy Care Center board chairman. “The Pregnancy Care Center board and staff is committed to providing free and confidential services to those in our community who need them.”

Contact a church liaison or the Pregnancy Care Center (252-446-2273) for a Walk For Life brochure and more information.

Anyone who can’t be at the event can walk at another time and bring contributions to the center.

All contributions to the Pregnancy Care Center are tax-deductible and remain in the local community.

Funds are used to provide a variety of free services which include: pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, HIV and syphilis testing, STD screenings for chlamydia and gonorrhea, abstinence counseling, factual information on pregnancy, adoption, abortion risks and procedures.

Clothing and furnishings for mother and baby are available through the HOPE program and HEART (Healing Encouragement for Abortion Related Trauma) offers support groups and Bible studies. Fatherhood Workshops, for birthfathers of Pregnancy Care Center clients, cover the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of being a father. Contributions also enable Worth Waiting 4! to make abstinence presentations to more than 3,700 in our local schools, community groups and churches.