Local YMCA’s Run for Lights on After School Project

On your mark, get set, go!

Area students helped the YMCA celebrate the 16th annual Lights On After School Project day.

Groups from 23 YMCA sites around Cass and Clay counties ran a 1K around Island Park.

Different organizations nationwide are recognizing the day that highlights the importance of after school programs.

The children of the metro are fortunate the day happens to be during their fall break each year.

“It’s watching the kids grow, watching the families really appreciate what you do and all the hard work you put into making sure that the kids have somewhere to go after school and somewhere safe to be,” said Site Coordinator Kelsi McClaflin.

More than 900 children took part in this year’s event.