SACO —  The annual VA2K Walk and Roll, a national event that encourages people to live active lifestyles and support homeless veterans will be held this year on May 16.

Locally, the VA2K will take place at the Saco Community Veterans Affair Clinic at the corner of Main Street and Ross Road from noon to 1 p.m. A number of veteran and community organizations have worked together to put together the event. 

The event includes a 1.24 mile, or 2K, walk. Those who wish to participate are asked to come 15 minutes early. There is no pre-registration required, said organizer Rich Litwin.  

The event is free, though organizers are accepting donations of household or personal care items for local veterans. Only new items will be accepted. Suggested items include coffee makers, coffee, coffee filters, toasters, crock pots, kitchen gadgets and utensils, trash cans, dish towels, bedding, cleaning supplies, mops, toilet paper and adult bicycles. Gift cards to grocery stores restaurants and gas stations, bus passes and movie passes will also be accepted, said Litwin. 

Participants can walk individually or in groups. The event is not a race, and people are invited to complete the course at their leisure.

Organizers are hoping for a good turnout , and all community members are invited to come to the event regardless of their ability to make a donation or participate in the walk. Those who are unable to walk the 2K are welcome to come and enjoy the live music, information booths and food that will be set up at the clinic’s parking lot. 

“What we’re looking for is a big crowd,” said Litwin.

THe VA2K is held in conjunction with National Employee Health Day. 
Last year, more than 23,000 VA employees, veterans and community members from around the country participated, donating items worth more than $291,300 to help homeless veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].