One would be hard pressed to identify a more symbolic, empowering and compassionate Saturday morning. The Freedom Walk brings words to life, movement to ideas, unity to a cause and progress to a culture.

"My favorite part is seeing individuals we've seen over the years who regularly receive our services show up and say, 'This is the first step in my freedom,'" said Amy Thurston, the co-founder of Hope Inspire Love, who's been the CEO for nine years. "Just seeing young men, fathers and their boys joining in. When I see them walk, I know no one knows their stories, but they do. Every year, we have people come up to us and say, 'Thank you for doing this for me.'"

The time is near for another installment of staunch human trafficking foe Hope Inspire Love's inspiring trek for social change - the Freedom Walk. This year's edition of the annual event will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Musser Park, 135 N. Lime St., Lancaster.

"Because it's been so much in the news and so many nonprofits are offering services, there is so much awareness about human trafficking," said Thurston. "What people don't know about is the trafficking going on online. Part of our goal is awareness, while helping people take the next step in independence and freedom. We get calls all the time."

The Freedom Walk festivities will begin around 9 a.m. when people begin filtering in for registration. There will be time for conversation and camaraderie before participants are addressed about the depths of the human trafficking problem.

Black T-shirts and signs will be handed out, and a huge group photo will be taken before the 2-mile silent walk begins. The day will also include live music, a simulation tent and information tables manned by other organizations that are opponents of human trafficking, and a lunch will be served after the walk.

"It's a celebration of the beauty of collaboration," said Thurston, a resident of Manheim Township. "We have 30 minutes of stage time when we talk about the why. It allows people to understand what they're walking for. We want to invite healthy conversation."

In single file, the walkers will process quietly and slowly from Musser Park around Lancaster Central Market and back again. The joyous and somber moments create a moving vibe felt by participants, victims and spectators alike.

"It's so beautiful because anyone can do it," said Thurston. "It is literally a movement. Seeing our young people walk with signs that say 'I'm not for sale' is so powerful. We have to start when our kids are young.

"It's an outward action of an inner desire for this to end," she added. "As we move, we see people fill with tears. Some people will pray in the park while we are walking."

More than 500 individuals, mostly from Lancaster County but also from places like Harrisburg, Reading and Philadelphia, will participate in the Freedom Walk. They are supporters from infants to over 90 years of age, social workers, community members, university students, churchgoers and local leaders.

The Freedom Walk requires more than 75 volunteers in order to run smoothly.

"People are filled with excitement," said Thurston. "There are opportunities to connect with other people. It's a time for people to say, 'I'm taking a next step in this meaningful experience.' They also feel what others have gone through."

Thurston and her husband, Steve, established Hope Inspire Love in 2017, and two years later, the Freedom Walk made its debut with 200 participants. The Freedom Walk has evolved into Hope Inspire Love's signature event, as both a fundraiser and as a vehicle for bringing awareness to human trafficking.

"I look forward to it every year," said Thurston. "Each of us has a part in this fight, you and I. It only takes one, and that's how we all can be a part of it."

For additional information, go to http://www.hopeinspirelove.org.