DECATUR - It takes a generous community to help raise strong kids.

That is why Jeana Shroyer volunteered to run on a treadmill Friday morning.

Shroyer, a board member at the Decatur Family YMCA, reeled off five miles in one hour.

"I run outside normally so I haven't been on a treadmill for awhile," Shroyer said. "Once I got going I felt great."

Shroyer was among dozens of runners and walkers who kept the treads turning throughout the day to raise funds for the Y's Strong Kids program. It provides help for low-income families to enable children to become members or enroll in various activities.

The participants in the fundraiser were backed by friends, co-workers and relatives, who gave cash donations for each milepost reached.

A dental hygienist who often runs four miles a day before heading for the office, Shroyer originally signed up to run for 30 minutes. But when nobody showed up to take her place, she continued to run in place for the cause.

"I think we're very fortunate to have a community that continues to give to this effort," Shroyer said. "They give more money every year."

Shroyer, in her second term as a board member, said bringing children into the Y's programs helps them acquire physical habits that will last throughout their lives. They also may receive coaching to learn sports such as basketball and soccer.

YMCA director Paul Stanzione said the goal for Friday's event was to raise $20,000. As an example of how the money is spent, almost $17,000 was used to provide camp scholarships this past summer.

He said one 7-year-old boy who received a full camp scholarship had previously received little exposure to the outdoors or swimming.

"He was really fearful of water," Stanzione said. "By the end of the summer he was much more comfortable in the swimming pool."

Company-sponsored teams donated $1,000 each to spend an hour on treadmills Friday. Those companies hosted one hour of live air time on WSOY-AM, which operated from the Y's wellness center from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Marquis Beverage shared an hour with Peerless Cleaning and Restoration.

Marquis owner Dave Cooper acknowledged that he could have used the air time to promote his company. Instead he decided to invite a few guests to be interviewed, including former city manager Steve Garman.

"It's more about the community than about us," Cooper said. "It's a wonderful cause. Whenever we get an opportunity to get behind a wonderful cause we do."

hfreeman@herald-review.com|421-6985