Walking for children in Valley Stream

Peninsula Counseling Center hosted its third mall walk last Sunday morning. The event raised money for children’s services.

Green Acres Mall was the venue for the March 16 walk, which drew more than 100 people, including dozens of students from area junior and senior high schools. Students who made a small donation and took part in the walk received community service credit.

Audrey Goodman, the special events coordinator for PCC, said the walk pulled in about $5,000. Money will be split between the Doris Vine Memorial Fund, which supports various children’s services at the counseling center, and the Joan Baum Friends Program which matches high school students with younger children.

This year’s theme was “One Step at a Time to Stop Bullying.” Goodman said many children use counseling services at PCC because they are bullied in school. “Everyone is aware of bullying and it still is a very big issue,” Goodman said. “Bullying is another form of child abuse.”

Several local restaurants provided food for walkers, and there were numerous prize giveaways. Activities for children included face painting, edible art, and drawing.

There was no set course for event participants — everyone was encouraged to walk at their own pace and do a little shopping if they wanted to do. All walkers received a package that included coupons for various stores at Green Acres. The walk was held for the first time since 2012 as the mall was changing ownership last year. Goodman deemed it a “huge success.”