Area residents can show their support for people with disabilities in two ways: participating in the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk and purchasing a special card at Kwik Fill.

This year’s Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place July 19 and 20.  The first day consists of a relay run and a 30-mile endurance run from Jamestown to Dunkirk.  The following day in Silver Creek is an 8-kilometer run, a 5k fitness walk, a 1k fun walk, children’s runs, and “Laurel’s Legacy Lap,” in which people with disabilities take a lap around the track at the village ball field.  There also will be a party featuring free food, music and activities for adults and children.

Through July 21, United Refining Company’s Kwik Fill and Red Apple Food Mart locations will be selling cards to raise funds for the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk. This is the 17^th consecutive year that Laurel Run/Walk organizers have partnered with United Refining.

The cards are sold at participating locations in Chautauqua and Erie counties in New York, and in Warren County, PA.  Customers can write their name on the card and it will be displayed in the store.  The suggested donation is $1, but donations of any amount are appreciated.  Donation containers also will be set up in some locations for shoppers who prefer not to write their name on a card.

All of the funds raised in Warren County will be split with Bollinger Enterprises.

Funds raised in Chautauqua County will go to Filling the Gap while money raised in Erie County, will be split with The Arc of Erie County.

The Laurel Memorial Run and Walk was created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling of Silver Creek, NY, in honor of their oldest daughter, who had special needs.  The event seeks to raise public awareness about individuals with disabilities while providing an opportunity for people with disabling conditions, and those without, to come together at a fun, family-friendly event.

Proceeds from the event are used to enhance employment and work training opportunities for people with disabilities.  Wayne Hotelling noted that support from the business community is essential to the event’s success.

“Without sponsors like Red Apple and Kwik Fill, this would not be a reality,” he said.

For more information about the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, phone (716) 661-4735 or visit www.laurel-run.org.