Boys in the YMCA STRIDE running program at Blessed Sacrament school are helping make veterans’ dreams come true. STRIDE stands for Strength, Teamwork, Respect, Inspiration, and Determination & Excellence in Character, and the program strives to teach more than just running.
The third through fifth grade boys in the program raised $1,000 for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight as way of thanking veterans for their service. Andy Smith is the director of the YMCA STRIDE program. He said they boys helped welcome home a recent honor flight and made the decision to fundraise to help send additional veterans. The boys presented the check today at a school assembly. The STRIDE program, similar to Girls on the Run, is currently at four area schools and will expand to eight schools in the spring.