The first MCAAP (Military Child Access Assistance Program) HIKE 2 HELP 5K will be held Saturday, May 18, at Cannon Park, in Pinehurst.

The event is co-sponsored by the village of Pinehurst.

Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. at the Cannon Park picnic shelter. The hike begins at 9:30 a.m. There will be registration that day, but no promises of a T-shirt. The actual deadline for registration is April 30.

"The idea of the hike is to get a team together and raise funds for the program and walk the hike together," says Elizabeth O'Brien, who has promoted military-related community service platforms throughout her years of participation in the Miss N.C. Outstanding Teen program. "Teams will receive awards and recognition for their efforts. There is an individual fee for those who just want to come out and enjoy the hike."

Teams of 10 hikers pay $150 minimum and must raise an additional $350.

Prizes will be given to the team that raises the most money and is the most spirited.

Fees for individual hikes are $20 for regular registration and $25 the day of the event.

Make checks payable to MMIA and mail to MMIA, 625 Page St., Southern Pines, NC 28387.

"MMIA has been assisting veterans and wounded soldiers to live independent lives by modifying their homes to accommodate their needs," says O'Brien. "Now MMIA is reaching out to the children of military families. This event will help build ramps and do modifications to homes to accommodate those children and help them learn to live independently."

Sponsors are still being sought.

For more information, call (910) 724-3328 or email sobrien565@gmail.com.