MY Place Mankato’s MY Pace Mile invites community to walk, run or stroll

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - MY Place Mankato will host the MY Pace Mile on Saturday, bringing participants together to walk, run or stroll while learning about the organization’s programs for local youth.

The event starts at 10 a.m. at 1315 Stadium Road. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Participants will head to Wings Over White Oak Park before returning to MY Place, where visitors can take tours. Organizers encourage advance registration through MY Place Mankato’s web page to avoid a line, but registration will also be available Saturday morning.

MY Place, or Mankato Youth Place, is a free out-of-school program for children in the community experiencing poverty. Executive Director Erin Simmons said the organization averaged 105 children a day during the current school year and offers 15 programs focused on arts, athletics and academics.

Programs include piano lessons, art activities, cooking club and handball club. The organization also takes children to Minnesota State University, Mankato, once a week to give them an opportunity to picture themselves as college students.

MY Place held more than 1,500 one-on-one reading sessions last year, Simmons said, including more than 600 during the summer.

MY Place fills about 300 volunteer shifts each month. Volunteers help drive vans, staff the front desk, read with children and maintain the organization’s space.

Wealth Enhancement Group is the MY Pace Mile’s presenting sponsor. Simmons said team members also volunteer at MY Place in the evenings.

People interested in volunteering, donating or learning more can visit myplacemankato.org or the organization’s Facebook page. MY Place can also be reached by calling 720-6898.

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