Volunteers are still being accepted to fill a variety of responsibilities at the annual NAMI Walk in Kirkland to raise funds to battle mental illness on May 17.

The annual Walk is sponsored by the Washington chapter of the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) as the primary fundraising event to fund the 23 affiliates across the state.

The event is also held to promote mental health awareness and spotlight the battle individuals with mental illness and their families wage every day.

Fundraisers across Washington have already collected more than $109,000 toward the 2014 goal of $275,000 to help NAMI chapters continue to offer free classes, support groups, information and referral to places of assistance, according to NAMI Walks manager Gazala Uradnik.

Helpers are needed to serve as guides along the 5K route on the shore of Lake Washington as well as volunteers to hand out snacks and water to the walkers when they return to the festivities at Kirkland’s Marina Park.

Students are encouraged to participate. Letters to help high school students meet community service requirements will be provided.

More than 1,000 walkers participated in last year’s Walk. For more information about how to register for the walk or how to volunteer, contact Uradnik at walk@namiwa.org or visit the website at www.namiwalks.org/washington.