VS kids in costume march for cause

Principal Stephanie Capozzoli, as Snoopy, and kindergarten teacher Vita Tringone, right, lead the Willow Wonder Walk, which benefits the March of Dimes organization.

Photos courtesy District 13

A Jedi and a Ninja Turtle walk hand-in-hand.

This guy was one of the scarier apparitions.

Girls donned shades as others grinned behind them as the walk came to a close.

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Costumed students and their parents filed down the sidewalk away from Willow Road Elementary School on Oct. 31 for the school’s annual Willow Wonder Walk, which raises money for the March of Dimes charity.

“We don’t put the emphasis on raising funds, though,” said kindergarten teacher and building coordinator Vita Tringone. “It’s more just for a good cause and to know that you’re walking for a purpose, to help raise awareness.”

Tringone’s two sons had health issues when they were young. She chose the March of Dimes because it benefits young children with similar circumstances. She helped establish the school’s walk nine years ago.

Most of the school’s 477 students participated this year, said principal Stephanie Capozzoli. Students were encouraged to make efforts like collecting change from around their homes to donate to the charity. Capozzoli said one young girl produced an envelope sagging with $30 in change.

“The way the little ones understand, they’re helping babies, so they feel good about that,” she said.