Kids and Parents Pour In For Walk To School Day

Despite a soggy Wednesday morning, about 200 kids and parents showed up for the International Walk To School Day celebration at Westchase Elementary School.

Orgnanized by the school and St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, the event's goal was to educate the public on pedestrian safety and encourage children to walk or bike to school.

Walkers started out at Montague Street and Bridgeton Drive and walked to the school, where hospital and school volunteers passed out goodies, including muffins, water bottles and backpacks.

Hillsborough School Board Vice Chair April Griffin was in attendance for the event, "to support the community, kids and program," she said.

Griffin said she hoped the event would prompt more children to walk or bike to school, which would decrease the long car lines often found at Westchase area schools.

"We look at the problem with obesity and kids not playing outdoors, " Griffin added. "This promotes an active lifestyle."

For more information about International Walk To School Day go here: http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/

Also see: Walk and Roll To School Parade This Morning in Westchase