The second annual “Make a Change Day” kicked off fundraising efforts for area Special Olympics Friday.

Area businesses are collecting funds to benefit Special Olympic Athletes today.

Pledges can be made today until 8 p.m. by calling (816) 233-6232.

Donations can also be made at several locations around St. Joseph including Hy-Vee and the following businesses:

Sacs & Boxes II NPG
East Hills Mall Apple Markets The Hearing Connection
Commerce Bank Johnson Controls Sumner Carter Hardy & Schwichtenberg PC
Hillyards SJPD Eckard’s
Bank Midwest
Car City Chrysler KQTV 2
Simply Tea Collison Repair
Darcee’s ICM Biofuels
Norty’s Quality Hearing & Audiologyy

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. For more information about how you can become a volunteer, help coach or if you know someone who is eligible to be an athlete visit the Special Olympics Missouri website at www.somo.org