FRANKLIN—The Greater Hampton Roads Division of the March of Dimes will hold its Western Hampton Roads March for Babies at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in Franklin.

The five-mile awareness walk will end with a picnic at Barrett’s Landing with music, games and entertainment. Registration for the walk begins at 1.

“Franklin is a generous, giving community,” said Mayor James Councill III. “The children of Franklin are involved. Let’s get civic organizations, churches, businesses and community members to help make the 2011 Western Hampton Roads March for Babies a record breaking success both in participation and funds raised.”

Dr. Michelle Belle, superintendent of Franklin City Schools, is the chairwoman of the 2011 March of Dimes Campaign. Community sponsors include Southampton Memorial Hospital, Franklin City Public Schools, Care Advantage, Bronco Federal Credit Union and Wendy’s.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. It funds research, education, community programs and advocacy for the prevention of birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Mental retardation, Sickle Cell Anemia, SIDS, autism, Cystic Fibrosis, Parkinson Disease, Down Syndrome, diabetes, cancer, hearing and vision loss and Alzheimer Disease are some of the causes that fall under the March of Dimes research umbrella.

Contact Belle at 569-8111 or Susan Smith at 757-361-0000 for more information, supplies or a presentation.