As the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. So does the journey of helping thousands of local children in need.

On Sunday, April 18, Assistance League of Santa Clarita will hosts its 20th annual Footsteps 5K Run/Walk at Newhall Park, which raises funds for the non-profit organization's Operation School Bell Program. The popular event attracts up to 400 walkers and runners of all ages, according to event chairperson Gloria Regan.

"We have 14 different age categories, so we get kids under 8 to people in their 70s," Regan said. "My hope for this event is that it's as successful as the last 20 years so we can expand Operation School Bell and help even more children in the Santa Clarita Valley."

Regan estimated that Operation School Bell served more than 1,650 children in kindergarten through sixth grade by providing them with new clothing, shoes, backpacks, health kits and school supplies in 2009. Assistance League expects to add 150-200 children to that number in 2010 by expanding the program to include schools such as Castaic Middle School, Placerita Junior High School in Newhall and Sierra Vista Junior High in Canyon Country.

"As the economy gets worse, there are more people in need of assistance," Regan said. "The community would be surprised. They see the Santa Clarita Valley as a nice, middle-class haven, that there's no one hurting, but one only has to drive around town and see all the businesses going out. It's astounding. There's a lot of need here."

Participants at Footsteps help raise funds by paying a $12-$25 entrance fee, depending on age and pre-registration versus registering the day of the event, as well as by asking families, friends, and businesses to sponsor them at any amount.

Registration can be processed online through Assistance League's Web site (www.assistanceleague-alsc.org) or via www.active.com.
Footsteps will feature a vast selection of door prizes of gift certificates to local restaurants and salons to attendees, while registered walkers/runners (except for children in the 1K Kids Fun Run) will receive a short-sleeve unisex Dri-fit style T-shirt.

Awards will be handed out to the top three finishers in each age category (10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70-plus).

"Since we've been doing this for so long, we often see the same people walking or running each year. They're always in front so we recognize them," Regan said. "All participants are winners, whether they take home a medal or not, because all proceeds benefit Operation School Bell."

Local businesses have also stepped up to sponsor the run/walk including Woodward HRT, R & S Automotive, Teague Communications, Lucille D. Pohley, M.D., Graphic Visions, Inc., AV Party Rentals, Crosstown Electrical & Data, David A. Tanner, D.D.S., Clare Macaulay, D.D.S., Andy Gump, SCV Leasing, FMC Automotive, Edward A. Pechter, M.D., Leda M. Whitmer, D.D.S. Hedman Partners, Santa Clarita Concrete, Julie M. Sturgeon, CPA, Steven K Watanabe, D.D.S., Costco, Glofitness, Dr. Cameron P. Grade, W. Bryan George, C.P.A., Starbucks, George W. Ekins, D.D.S,., GW Richardson Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Trader Joe's, Western Bagel, and Steve Lambourne Co, Inc.

The city of Santa Clarita and Castaic Lake Water Agency are also sponsors, as are individuals including Phil and Cheryl Carlson, Jim and Carol Scott, John and Jackie Hamby, Barry King, Art and Teri Koebel, Margaret La Rocco, Laury and Marlene Strauss, Mary Show, Lee and Joan Smelser, Tom and Marilyn Tobin, Mas and Mamie Kosaka, Robert and Katie Eagar, Ronald and Debra Pecel, Ken and Jo Wullschleger, and Chip and Susanne Sterndahl.

Continued local support has Regan feeling particularly grateful.

"We have not seen our sponsorships diminish, in spite of the recession. We're right where we were last year, so we're really pleased," Regan said. "We think it's really exciting to celebrate our anniversary this year. How many philanthropic organizations can say they've held onto a project for 20 years successfully?"

Assistance League of Santa Clarita was organized in 1989 by local women and chartered in 1993. Membership has since grown to 150 members. They are a chapter of the National Assistance League, founded in 1935 as the first non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization in the Western United States to recognize the potential of volunteers of all ages helping those less fortunate to a better and more meaningful life.

The 20th Annual Footsteps 5K Run/Walk, registration starts at 6:15 a.m., 1K Kids Run at 8:15 a.m., followed by 5K, Sunday, April 18, Newhall Park, 24907 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: ((661) 253-3114 or www.active.com or www.assistanceleague-alsc.org.