CAMP CREEK (PRESS RELEASE) - ChildLaw Services will be hosting the 2nd Annual "Running Wild for West Virginia Children" 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Race at Camp Creek State Park on March 17. The race will begin at 10 am. This event will be in memory of our friend, Alex Aldridge and all the proceeds will go towards the Mercer County Teen Court Program.
ChildLaw Services is a non-profit agency that provides legal services to children. ChildLaw Services serves children who are victims of abuse and neglect, involved in high conflict custody disputes, and victims of crime. The mission of ChildLaw Services is to fight for the well-being of children by giving them a stronger voice through legal representation, coordinated planning, and policy development. ChildLaw Services also administers the Girls on the Run program in Southern West Virginia and the Mercer County Teen Court Program.
This event is being held in honor of Alex Aldridge. Born in Southern West Virginia in 1989, he himself was a victim of child abuse and neglect. He was removed from his home and placed with an adoptive family at age two. Alex responded very well to his new environment of a loving and caring family and flourished, but in his later years became haunted by the memories of abuse. He struggled much; eventually he turned to drugs and alcohol. In April 2010, he began rebuilding his life and making many plans to help others fight addiction. Unfortunately, Alex did suffer a relapse and passed from an overdose. In the words of his family, "He had a great love of children and a deep desire to help others find their way. Through the work of ChildLaw, Alex's dream of helping kids can be realized. By helping provide happiness and safety for at-risk kids, his spirit lives on."
The proceeds of this event will support the Teen Court Program. Teen Court is an alternative sentencing program that offers young first time offenders an opportunity to take responsibility for their crime through community service, educational classes, jury service, and more. Teen Court is also cost-saving to our community because it is run almost exclusively by volunteers. Local attorneys volunteer their time to serve as judge, while trained teen volunteers serves as attorneys, clerk, bailiff, and jury. This program serves our community greatly by taking first time offenders and helping them turn themselves around by showing them a more positive environment.
This year Mercer County Teen Court is making plans to take 25 volunteers on an excellent learning experience in Washington D.C. Parents will fund as much as they can for their child to go, but many cannot afford the entire cost of the trip. Part of the proceeds of the 5K will help cover costs for youth who might otherwise never get to experience our nation's capitol. Teen Court also raises funds for college scholarships and to hold special educational events such as suicide awareness and bullying prevention.
Runners and walkers of all ages can register online at www.active.com or contact ChildLaw Services at 304.425.9973. If you have any questions about ChildLaw Services or the 5K please feel free to call or email Beth Sizemore of ChildLaw Services at mercer.teencourt@gmail.com. The entry fee is $20 before March 16 and $25 on Race Day. Registration fee will also cover a long sleeve T-shirt. Awards will be given to the top three finishers of each age group. We hope to see you there!
