CROWN POINT | Local families will join thousands of bereaved parents, grandparents, siblings and others across the country Aug. 24 in a two-mile Sunday afternoon "Walk to Remember" their children who have died.

The Compassionate Friends is the largest self-help bereavement organization in the world and offers friendship and understanding to families that have experienced the death of a child of any age from any cause. There are nearly 600 chapters in the United States. The local walk is being held by the Lake-Porter County chapter of The Compassionate Fiends in conjunction with the group's 31st National Walk & Conference in Nashville, Tenn., where more than 1,000 are expected to walk.

Locally, walk coordinators are expecting more than 300 participants. They will meet Aug. 24 at Lemon Lake County Park, 6322 W. 133rd Ave., and will walk as far as two miles. The walk begins at noon and includes a butterfly release and a picnic.

"Whether someone walks two miles or a couple hundred feet is not important," said chapter leader Carol Castaneda in a written news release. "What is important is that we have taken this time to join with family and friends who care that an important person is missing from our lives. We are joining with bereaved families and friends walking in unity in states across our country to remember all children who died too soon, no matter their age."

Anyone who would like more information about the walk or the Lake-Porter County Chapter can call Castaneda at (219) 662-0902.

All revenue generated from the walk is used to support the Lake-Porter County Chapter of TCF. Chapter expenses include more than 500 monthly newsletters, brochures, printing costs and postage. For more information about the national organization and locations of chapters nationwide, call toll-free (877) 969-0010 or visit www.compassionatefriends.org

- For The Times