Volunteers are still being accepted to fill a variety of responsibilities at the annual NAMI Walk to raise funds to battle mental illness on Saturday, May 17 in Kirkland.

The annual Walk is sponsored by the Washington chapter of the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) as the primary fundraising event to fund the 23 affiliates across the state.

The event is also held to promote mental health awareness and spotlight the battle individuals with mental illness and their families wage every day.

Fundraisers across Washington have already collected more than $109,000 toward the 2014 goal of $275,000 to help NAMI chapters continue to offer free classes, support groups, information and referral to places of assistance, according to Gazala Uradnik, the NAMI Walks Manager.

Helpers are needed to serve as guides along the 5K route on the shore of Lake Washington as well as to hand out snacks and water to the walkers when they return.

Students are encouraged to participate. Letters to help high school students meet community service requirements will be provided.

More than 1,000 walkers participated in last year’s Walk. For more information about how to register for the walk or how to volunteer, contact Uradnik at walk@namiwa.org or visit the website at www.namiwalks.org/washington