By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The Footprints on Our Hearts 5K & One-Mile Memorial Walk will be held at First Assembly of God in Clanton from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday.

This event will be held in recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and all proceeds will benefit the local chapter of Threads of Love.

Angie Sanderson had the idea for the event after the loss of her son, Boyd. Sanderson and her husband, Josh, received a care package from Threads of Love while in the hospital with their child.

“If it hadn’t been for them, we wouldn’t have had anything to bury our son in,” said Sanderson. “[They] gave us a care package with scriptures, a blanket, booties, a cap and a burial gown.”

Sanderson said that everything was hand-made and very nice. She knew she wanted to give back to the organization, and thought of this event as a way to raise money.

“I love running, and we wanted to honor our son and help families who were grieving like we were,” said Sanderson.

They encourage all bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and family friends to join in the memorial event.

There will also be a balloon release and reading of lost babies’ names after the runs are finished.

Last year, the event raised $3,000 for Threads of Love. Sanderson said businesses have been very supportive again this year and the event is growing each year.

There are runners from West Virginia and Texas that have come to the first two years and plan to come to the third, according to Sanderson. There are no events like this for them in their state, so they have come all the way to Clanton to participate and honor their children.

“To be able to connect with other people who understand is just a blessing,” said Sanderson.

On-site registration is from 7-7:45 a.m. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the Memorial Walk begins at 9 a.m. Clanton First Assembly of God is located at 1106 7th Street South.