CHARLESTON -- Supporters interested in raising awareness of children's issues took part in the Third Annual "A Walk for Children" this past weekend.

They walked the 65-mile route from Summersville to Charleston beginning Oct. 9 and ending Oct. 11 at the State Capitol.

Their goal was to raise awareness and funds for children in emergency shelters and to remind the public of the challenges youths face in today's society.

The walk started Friday in Summersville and extended to Belva. Saturday, the walkers started in Belva and made their way over Mount Olive Mountain down to Smithers and to the Cedar Grove Go- Mart.

The final stretch Sunday took them from Cedar Grove to Charleston. At 3 p.m., the participants gathered at the State Capitol for a special reception held by the Governors Office.

“All too often children arrive to us with little more then the clothes on their backs,” said Bonnie Ward, walk director, “We rely heavily on the support and private contributions from local businesses to meet the continuing needs of our children … any contribution would help us further serve our children in expanding programs and continuing our ongoing mission.”

About the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia: The Children’s Home Society of West Virginia is a private, nonprofit child welfare organization founded in 1896. CHSWV provides comprehensive child welfare, behavioral health, social casework and advocacy services to more than 6,900 children and families each year from twelve primary locations throughout the state.