BETHLEHEM — Dozens of bicyclists made a quick stop at several Capital District elementary schools, including Hamagrael, on Friday, Sept. 20 as part of the 12th annual Albany Ride for Missing Children.
Arriving at Hamagrael Elementary School just after 9:30 a.m., the bicyclists were welcomed by excited students who held up posters with positive and supportive messages, and cheered loudly with giddy smiles. Local law enforcement officers also attended in support and to engage with the kids.
Other elementary schools the bicyclists visited that day included Voorheesville, Westmere, Lincoln and Guilderland.
While the event appeared light-hearted and blended the boisterous children into an animated frenzy, it had a serious message about child safety and it brought awareness as to how there are still active missing children cases throughout the U.S. It was the largest annual fundraiser for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which also offers resources and data related to missing American children.
Photos by Diego Cagara / Spotlight News