Shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 19, Westfield Sunrise Mall became the gathering place for 400 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade religious education students of St. Rose of Lima Church for its annual Youth for Outreach Walk-A-Thon. Joined by their family, friends and parish staff, the students carried inspirational posters and created class theme outfits of unity to come together and walk for the needs of others. Their efforts raised nearly $11,000 which has been distributed to notable organizations such as the American Lung Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Wounded Warriors, Autism Speaks and the Luke Neuhedel Foundation. In addition, the Parish Outreach Centers of both St. Rose of Lima Church and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church of Wyandanch were supported in their continuing efforts to feed the hungry of Long Island.

This year students were asked to submit for consideration the name of organizations which they chose to support by their walk-a-thon efforts. The care and compassion shared by their letters was indicative of the fact that the children today are aware that there is much suffering in the world around them, but also that through their efforts they can make a difference. Each organization which was chosen by the students this year was acknowledged in this endeavor.

Msgr. Daniel Hurley, pastor of St. Rose of Lima, along with Frs. Bala and Al, participated in the walk-a-thon to encourage and support the children in this endeavor. Deacon and Mrs. Frank Flood kept the walkers moving along with cheers of encouragement as well as accolades for the signs and personally designed outfits.

The Youth for Outreach Walk-A-Thon would not be as successful without the community support of the Westfield Sunrise Mall for the usage of its facility.