By DEBORAH DANIELS

PDT Staff Writer

Cradle Pregnancy Center — a non-profit Christ-centered ministry serving moms, babies and families in need — brings together volunteers from churches throughout the community.

To support the work of the center, the board and staff are announcing the Fourth Annual Walk-For Life Saturday, June 27, starting at the Carousel Center on Gallia Street in Portsmouth. This is a fundraising event and all proceeds benefit Cradle.

Some of the services include free pregnancy testing, a 24-hour hotline, biblical counseling, post-abortion counseling, post-abortion healing, maternity and infant clothing and supplies, and abstinence education.

Registration for the Walk-For-Life will begin at 8:30 a.m. and a light breakfast will be served. There will be special prizes awarded and every participant will have the chance to win. The walk will follow an easy two-mile course through downtown Portsmouth designed for families and individuals of all ages.

Donna Clark, office manager at Cradle, said last year there were about 60 walkers.

“We’ve been working hard this year to try and get more walkers,” she said.

Anyone unable to attend can walk on their own and mail or drop off their donation to Cradle, Clark said.

Last year, the walk raised more than $5,000 to continue the ministry at Cradle, Clark said, such as serving women and children in need in the community. Funding for Cradle also comes from area churches, individuals and some organizations. “There’s no federal funding,” Clark said.

Denise Hurley is the executive director.

Cradle also has announced two new members have joined the staff. After moving to southern Ohio from Colorado two years ago, Patty Jelinek began as a volunteer in the office at Cradle. She has now taken the part-time position as the assistant office coordinator. She works in the office and meets with new clients.

Kayla Edwards, from South Webster and Scioto Hills Christian Camp, joined the team in April to head up the annual fundraising efforts. Her job as donor relations coordinator allows her to communicate the needs of Cradle to the area, focusing on establishing support from those who are committed to Cradle’s mission.

All of Cradle’s services are free and confidential. The office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and by appointment. Cradle is located in the Carousel Center, 1112 Gallia St., Portsmouth. For more information about registering for the walk or about any of Cradle’s services, call (740) 354-2273, or e-mail cradlepcc@verizon.net.

The walk will take place, rain or shine, so bring your umbrellas in case of rain, Clark said.

Another upcoming event is the Golf-For-Life Tournament Aug. 29 at Franklin Valley Golf course in Jackson.

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.