Walk and donate for a cause at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, where people will be able to help fundraise for cancer research.
This year's event takes place Sunday, Oct. 16, at Watkins Park, at 615 Center St. in Mount Airy. Check-in for walkers is at 9 a.m. and registration begins at 10 a.m.
Katelyn Mock, the senior community manager of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society, said that this is the sixth year that the American Cancer Society has hosted this event in Central Maryland.
Mock has been working for the American Cancer Society for three years and she said that last year, they raised about $109,000 and that about 1,000 people attended the event.
She said that throughout this year's event, they will have performances, activities for kids and adults, and cancer survivor speakers. Also, they will have survivor recognition at the event.
According to Mock, the people who work to make the walk happen every year are volunteers.
"The event is run by volunteers and it is all done by the community," Mock said. "They are making a difference in the community and I love working with them."
If you would like to become a volunteer, you may email CentralMDStrides@cancer.org. Mock said that this organization is looking for volunteers all the time.
Mock stated that this year's goal is to raise $150,000. People are welcome to donate at the Making Strides Walk website, MakingStrideswalk.org/centralmd.
For more information or to sign up your team today please visit CentralMDStrides@cancer.org.
Big Breakfast Buffet at Mount Airy fire company
The Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company will host its next Big Country Breakfast Buffet, featuring scrambled eggs, pancakes and more, at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at the fire hall.
Mary Alexander, the breakfast chair for the fire company, said it has been hosting the breakfast fundraiser events for quite a long time. Alexander has been working for them for seven years.
Alexander said that they have specials themes breakfasts, including an Easter Bunny-themed breakfast in April and a Christmas-themed breakfast in December. The fire company hosts breakfast every third Sunday of the month.
The company is 100 percent volunteer, and the profits collected at the breakfasts are used for equipment, tools, and to keep the fire station "up and running," Alexander said.
"We appreciate all of the support we have had," she said. "We have a great crew and we are always looking for help."
Alexander said that anyone is welcome to volunteer at the breakfasts to support the fire company.
The menu for the upcoming breakfast includes scrambled eggs, smoked sausage, bacon, French toast, pancakes, biscuits, home fries, baked apples, waffles, chipped beef, coffee, orange juice, tea, hot chocolate and more.
The Big Country Breakfast Buffet takes place at the fire hall, at 1008 Twin Arch Road in Mount Airy, starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 11 a.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children, and kids ages 5 and younger are free.
For more information or to become a volunteer, contact Alexander at her email malexander@mavfc.org or via phone at 301-829-0100. You can also visit the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company's website at www.mavfc.org.
Mount Airy woman collecting Bras for a Cause
Mount Airy resident Vicki Pocock has joined forces with the Pink Heart Fund nonprofit in Mississippi to collect bras for cancer patients and survivors for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Pocock said she found out about Pink Heart online and contacted them. The Pink Heart Fund provides women with free breast prosthetics and post-mastectomy bras as well as serving as a resource for those seeking support or advice.
Pocock is collecting the bras and sewing in pockets for prosthetics at her alteration business in Mount Airy, MA's Stitches. She will then ship the bras to Pink Heart and the organization will distribute the bras to the woman in need at.
As of last week, Pocock had collected about 20 bras.
More bras can be dropped off in boxes at the lobby of the American Legion Auxiliary Gold Star Post 191 on Prospect Road in Mount Airy or at Happy Dog Grooming, at 203 E. Ridgeville Blvd. in Mount Airy. Pocock said that her deadline is Oct. 14.
Pocock also said that she can make any arrangements to pick up if people are interesting donating bras.
For more information or if you would like your business to become a collection site, you may contact Pocock at her email masstitches.vp@gmail.com or contact her via phone at 301-829-2855.
Sharina Taveras Lopez covers Eldersburg, Sykesville, Mount Airy, Winfield, Taylorsville and neighboring communities. Reach her at st008@connections.mcdaniel.edu.
