LEMOORE -- Local tikes rode trikes on Friday to kick off a fundraising effort for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Child Development Center at West Hills College Lemoore is one of many preschools participating in the Trike-A-Thon fundraising tradition, which is over 25 years old. But it's the first year that West Hills Lemoore has participated, and this week about 80 children --5 years old and younger -- rode tricycles on the college campus.

On Friday, the children's parents or any passersby could donate to St. Jude in a flat amount or an amount per lap completed. The Child Development Center at West Hills Lemoore will continue to take donations from the community for St. Jude through noon on Oct. 10.

"It is a good way to become an advocate for other children and not just the children we are serving," said Nancy Jeffcoach, coordinator of the event.

The West Hills Lemoore center serves about 89 children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old, added Jeffcoach, who is the center's site supervisor.

Athena Wilker, a teacher at the child development center, passed out cups of water under the shade of a tent to children taking a break from trike riding on Friday afternoon. She said the children have been learning all week some rules about trike safety -- to wear a helmet, never ride in the street and to be careful of driveways -- and practicing their riding skills around the center area.

"Yes, we are raising money for St. Jude's but to (these children) it's just about fun," Wilker said. "They learn through play."

St. Jude is the nation's leading center for the research and treatment of childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.

Jeffcoach said donations can be brought to the Child Development Center in the 1000 building on the West Hills College Lemoore campus or mailed to her attention. Donations should be made in the form of a check or money order to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Also, on Monday, participating Chili's restaurants around the nation, including Hanford, will donate 100 percent of that day's profits to St. Jude.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.