Freedom Steps is not just a 5k walk/run where a group of avid runners and walkers get together for a stroll. This event is a heartfelt tribute to those men and women who are on the front lines defending our country and the freedoms we hold so dear. Each and every person who coordinates this event and most of the participants know someone who is either currently serving or who has served in the arm
ed forces. The Willow Grove VFW Post 3612 held Freedom Steps for the first time in September 2008. The post had received a PA state grant that they decided to use for an event to benefit soldiers, especially those that are currently serving overseas. The Willow Grove VFW has a close connection with active troops including their adoption of the 111th Fighter Wing stationed at the Willow Grove JNAS. So it only made sense to them to host an event that would benefit soldiers in our community who are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan protecting the freedoms that we hold so near and dear to our hearts. Freedom Steps was created to raise awareness for those soldiers deployed overseas who do not have the comforts of being at home. The money raised from this event is used to purchase supplies and basic necessities that the soldiers do not have access to or just miss because they are not stateside. Over the last four years we have worked closely with local businesses and Upper Moreland Parks and Recreation to create a successful event. Our event has grown from only 45 participants and 20 volunteers in September 2008 to 250 participants and 30 volunteers in 2011. To date we have been able to send about 120 boxes that have reached over 2,000 soldiers throughout the world. On January 24, 2012 Freedom Steps 5k was incorporated by the state of Pennsylvania as a non-profit charity organization and gained official 501c3 status in April 2012.
