Millions of people walk every day for various reasons, primarily to get some exercise. Others walk to support different causes.
Locally, participants are gearing up for the May 18 third annual Jackie Gilliard-Henderson Memorial Scholarship Walk-a-thon, sponsored by Seven Ministries of Liberty County.
“The funds raised will be used to award scholarships to graduating seniors from Liberty County’s public high schools who choose to further their education by attending college or technical school in the summer/fall of 2013,” Seven Ministries President/CEO Gary Gilliard said.  “Additional funds will help support the Manna House and the homeless coalition.”
Gilliard said that last year, the organization awarded eight $500 scholarships ­ — four scholarships to graduating seniors from Bradwell Institute and four to Liberty County High School seniors.  
“We also donated over $2,000 in gifts to senior citizens and sponsored a back-to-school rally in Holmestown, where we passed out over $1,800 in school supplies,” he added. “Seven Ministries also supports the local Manna House and the homeless coalition.”
The 7-mile “After Mother’s Day Walk” starts with registration at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the baseball field behind Bradwell Institute. The walk starts at  7 a.m.  
“We are inviting the mayors of all municipalities in Liberty County to serve as co-grand marshals for this year’s walk,” Gilliard said.
He said Seven Ministries is a true ministry of giving, and the event reflects the spirit of the woman it’s named after.
“Being able to use my mother’s name to help the community in a variety of ways is a blessing,” Gilliard said. “My mama was a simple country girl from the Tattnall County community of Mendes, Ga. Although she didn’t have much, she gave what she had and encouraged us to do the same.
“Although the scholarships are in my mama’s name, this year we will award the gifts in memory of other women who have meant so much to us over the years. People like Mrs. Bertha Reid-Huff, Mrs. Romeana Smith, Mrs. Maggie Jones, Mrs. Ola Winn-Miller, Mrs. Beatrice Guyton-Jones, Mrs. Wilhelmina H. Jasper, Mrs. Betty Shaw-Lynch and Mrs. Edell Osgood. We already have our list of honorees for next year.”
Participation in this year’s events also can be done by making monetary tax-deductible donations. Gilliard said that this year, the organization is asking participants older than 21 to donate $20 and participants ages 16-20 to donate $10. There is no fee for children younger than 15. Contributions can be mailed to: Seven Ministries of Liberty County Inc., 531 Azalea St., Hinesville, GA  31313. For additional information about the walk or making a contribution, call 977-3527.