With a week to go until the second annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, participants have raised close to $3,000.

Pledges and donations totaling $2,835.01 as of Friday afternoon will be used toward the American Cancer Society's research, education and outreach programs, advocacy and patient services.

Donald J. Boshart, community executive director of Jefferson and Lewis counties for the American Cancer Society, said any amount raised will help the organization's efforts.

The walk Saturday, held in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is the organization's signature walk throughout the United States. Last year, the event raised more than $20,000. Mr. Boshart said the bulk of the funds comes in the day of the event, and some trickle in after.

Registration for the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Thompson Park pavilion, and the 2.5-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. Ellon M. Grunert, program coordinator for the Wellness Connection of Jefferson and Lewis counties, said her agency will assist with the participants' registration.

Because more than 500 people combined attended a Lewis County General Hospital-organized breast cancer awareness dinner Tuesday at the Lowville Elks Lodge and Samaritan Medical Center's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner on Thursday at Fort Drum, Mrs. Grunert said she knows there's a community interest in raising money for the cause.

The Wellness Connection will have information displayed about its programs and services.