Foster Care Walkabout: because children leave footprints on our hearts

Fostering Hope and Saint Francis Community Services present Foster Care Walkabout: because children leave footprints on our hearts, Saturday, May 12, 2018, in Okmulgee, OK.

Benefitting children in foster care and families willing to open their hearts and homes.  Participants are asked to donate, in lieu of a registration fee, any of the following new, or unused items:

Luggage or duffle bags for all ages Backpacks for school-aged children of all ages Diaper bags for any gender or gender neutral

We welcome you to fill your luggage or bags with things frequently needed for children and babies coming into care. Items needed can include undergarments, socks, toiletries, school supplies, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.

The event will begin with a short rally including Mayor Steven Baldridge and testimonials from a previous foster mother and foster child. The walk is designed to let the participant experience a mile in the shoes of a child in out-of-home care.  Participants will walk with their luggage on a route starting at Council House Square.  Along the route, participants will read different facts and statistics about children in the state of Oklahoma and in Okmulgee County.  Participants will end their journey at Hawthorn Park where partner agencies will have information readily available for foster care and community programs/services available in Okmulgee County.  We invite you to bring a sack lunch and hang out with us in the park.  

Pre-registration for the walk with an optional event T-shirt is available until April 30, 2018.  Registrations after April 30, 2018, and on the morning of the walk will not include optional event T-shirts.  T-shirts are available for pick up during registration on May 12, 2018, at 7:30 am.  

Walk registration begins at 7:30 am, Saturday, May 12, 2018.  Rally begins at 8:30 am.  Walk start time begins at 9:30 am.  

Parking is available along the Council House Square and in the downtown area.  Due to safety, traffic will be blocked starting at 8:30 am through completion of the walk.  Shuttles from Hawthorn Park to Council House Square are provided for participants returning to their vehicles.