5k kicks off in Wilkes-Barre for Pinwheels 4 Prevention

Amelia Sack
·2 min read

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Getting steps in to support a good cause. April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.

The Junior Leadership Northeast Class of 2024 hosted a 5k at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre to benefit the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center.

“Everyone’s here for just the cause to help these children, and it’s a great day. a big crowd, and a lot of smiling happy people here to support this,” said Edward Murphy from Harvey’s Lake.

“I just love helping the kids and it was really fun,” Jance Wallace from Dallas.

On Saturday nearly 90 runners and walkers of all ages put on their shoes and hit the pinwheel-lined pavement at Kirby Park.

To support the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center in the Pinwheels 4 Prevention 5k.

“Today we planned a 5k for the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center which helps abused children. We really wanted to do this to help the community recognize what the child advocacy center does and really just spread awareness for child abuse,” explained Ellie Wallace.

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Junior Leadership Northeast is a program through Leadership Northeast in Luzerne County, which brings together students from across NEPA to learn and engage in leadership, community service, and awareness. Each class plans projects to benefit local organizations and nonprofits.

“A lot went into planning this like getting the location, helping get the word out that we’re having a 5k,” added Wallace.

The team at the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center says they’re grateful to be chosen for the project.

“We are not a county agency. we are just an organization that helps abused children in Luzerne County, so everything that comes into our center is so appreciated, to keep our doors open that help these children,” stated Shannon Peduto the executive director at the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center.

Peduto says in 2023, more than 500 children across Luzerne County utilized the center’s services.

“We’re so appreciative because every dollar that is made today is going back directly to services to these children,” continued Peduto.

prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners. Raffle baskets were also sold at the event.

The class raised over $2,000 in donations for the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center.

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