Greene County welcomed back the Coalbie’s Warrior Walk on Wednesday, as Aaron Houser, executive director of Growing Up Greene, and the organization’s therapy dog, Coalbie, continued their 67‑mile trek along the Warrior Trail. The pair entered southern Greene County about 28 miles into the journey, keeping to the schedule of roughly ten miles per day before reaching the Monongahela River in Greensboro.
Purpose of the walk
The week‑long trek serves a dual purpose: raising awareness of the child‑welfare system’s needs in Greene County and generating funds for a new facility that Growing Up Greene plans to open in Waynesburg. The organization launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the estimated $1 million cost of the first phase, which includes roof repairs and a full interior remediation of a building donated by the Observer‑Reporter.
Progress and community response
Houser and Coalbie set out Monday morning from the Ohio River at Fish Creek, south of Moundsville, West Virginia. By Wednesday afternoon they were just five miles outside Aleppo, a small community in southern Greene County. While the trail in West Virginia follows roads, the Pennsylvania portion winds through woods, fields and former coal‑mine areas, offering a scenic backdrop for the fundraiser.
Local residents have responded enthusiastically. Houser recalled a lunch stop where a group of women enjoyed cinnamon rolls; he politely declined a share, joking that the size of the roll might require a nap afterward. The following day, a farmer in his work clothes stopped his skid‑steer to learn about the walk. After hearing the mission, the farmer contributed a $10 bill and wished the team well, a gesture Houser highlighted as evidence of community support.
Fundraising momentum
Donations continue to climb as word spreads. Early private contributions have triggered a matching challenge, with the first $135,000 pledged to be matched dollar for dollar. Supporters can follow the trek in real time on Growing Up Greene’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as Coalbie’s TikTok account. Those wishing to contribute directly may do so through the GoFundMe link: give.gofundme.com/warriorwalk.
Looking ahead
Houser expressed optimism about the remaining five days of the walk, noting that the team is “really happy to be back in Greene County” and eager to reach the Mon River. The continued generosity of local residents and the broader community will help ensure that Growing Up Greene’s new Waynesburg facility can move forward, providing vital services for children and families in need.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
