By Angel Perkins News-Mirror Editor
We walk for necessity, leisure or exercise but an entire school walked to help others. Every student and most of the teachers and some parents that came to Triton Elementary School on Friday, May 11 walked, rolled or ran four laps (one mile) on the track field for the benefit of another child.
    The Kids Caring and Sharing For Riley Children’s Hospital is an initiative brought about through the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) and each principal was allowed to adapt the fundraising event to their preference.

As a member of the Riley Hospital Board of Directors of the IASP from District 2, TES Principal Rebecca Dennis chose to tweak it to be a “Walk-A-Mile for a Child.” She encouraged her students to collect $1 each and walk to show their support.
    “The kids really got into it,” said Dennis proudly and she displayed a tiny diaper, one meant to cover a  “preemie” baby, almost the size of a woman’s hand.  Dennis explained that the donations will go to assist the hospital’s in various areas as well as the neo-natal unit. “Riley has been so wonderful and so helpful to several of our students,” Dennis said as six TES children have had or are still receiving assistance and care through the Indianapolis hospital.
    One first grader, Dacey Baldwin took the invitation and went as far as her 7-year-old self could. “She talked about what she had heard about in school and asked a lot of questions about the kids, the diseases and the babies that can fit into your hand,” said her mom Bridget. “She said she didn’t think a dollar would do very much so she asked permission to get donations from other people.”
    After working with family and friends, little Dacey raised $50 for the effort. “She carried a bag around everywhere that said ’Dacey’s Money For Riley’s Hospital’ and when we saw people she’d ask for money,” Bridget said. “She really felt strongly about it; she’s always been sensitive and thoughtful of others. Now she wants me to take her there to see the kids and play with them.”
    Each classroom was given 30 minutes to complete their laps and the thoughtful PTO members donated water and popcicles. The afternoon’s warm and sunny weather proved the children very appreciative for the group’s gesture and efforts. By the end of the fundraiser the students and their families, teachers and community raised nearly $1,000 for the cause.