Walk in the cold to keep others warm

Walk for Warmth will kick off at 9 a.m. Feb. 27 from the steps of the Historic Courthouse. LAPEER — For 20 years Lapeer County residents have taken to the streets for a brisk, winter-morning walk to benefit their friends, neighbors, relatives, area seniors and even strangers, who need them.

The walkers are those taking part in the annual Walk for Warmth event scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 this year.

Walk for Wamth is a statewide event sponsored by ommunity action agencies, such as the Human Development Commission, to raise money to help local families in need heat their homes. Local citizens gather pledges and walk a one-mile route in the cold to keep others warm.

“With so many people out of work, families are struggling to keep their households afloat,” said Ragan Cudney, HDC community services manager. “Sometimes it hits a point where they just can’t make it happen anymore, and that’s when Walk for Warmth funding is needed to help them get by and keep the heat on until times get better.”

Debbie Marquardt, Lapeer County Community liaison for HDC, said she is hoping that at least 100 walkers sign up for this year’s Lapeer County event.

“The economy is really bad,” said Marquardt. “People desperately need help with their utility expenses ... These are our neighbors, relatives and friends ... You don’t want to see anybody in the cold.”

Last year, with the support of community volunteers and businesses, HDC raised more than $39,000 — about $12,000 of which was raised for and used in Lapeer County — to help struggling families and senior citizens.

“Money raised in each county stays in that county,” said Cudney. “Funds raised truly help your neighbors, not someone in the next county.”

While typical local residents spend 7 percent of their income on heating fuel in the winter, Walk For Warmth recipients spend more than 30 percent of their budget to heat their homes. More than 62 percent of those who seek HDC’s help with fuel payments receive no public assistance, and 56 percent are employed or have become recently unemployed.

“It is a critical thing,” said Marquardt of the fundraising efforts.

Walker registration begins at 9 a.m., with simultaneous walks in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola counties starting at 9:30 a.m. In Lapeer County the walk begins at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Lapeer. There will be scarves and Tshirts for walkers.

There are several ways to help:

• Gather pledges and walk on Feb. 27 (Or if you do not want to walk, gather pledges, and HDC will designate a volunteer to walk for you!)

• Rally your friends, co-workers, employees, family and others to gather pledges and walk

• Make a cash donation, used directly for heating assistance

• Donate merchandise, gift cards or other items to be auctioned off at the fundraising events

To make a donation to the Walk for Warmth fund, to obtain more information on the event, or to have a pledge sheet sent to you, call Marquardt at 810-664-7133. — Emily Caswell