Pony Express Riders raising awareness for Children's Mental Health

It’s the 13th year of the Pony Express Ride to raise awareness for Children’s Mental Health. This year may be the more crucial than ever before.

"Right now it's even more important because with the pandemic everything has come to a screeching halt," Pony Express Ride Site Coordinator Holly Stevens said. 

Motorcyclists are making the annual trip from Scottsbluff to Lincoln to bring knowledge about their cause.

Along the way, they stop in several communities to pick up letters highlighting the need for mental health resources. The letters are delivered to state leaders in the state's capital.

"The backlash is going to be so much greater because it's not only the children, it's the families that are feeling it from a financial, emotional, nutritional, every aspect," Stevens said.

Normally, they stop in the towns and meet with children and advocates, but due to COVID-19, this year just includes a few waves.

The group will make its way to Kearney Thursday with multiple stops along the way. Friday they travel to Fremont and then end in Lincoln on Saturday.

"Hopefully we can get the knowledge out there and get the awareness so that our children and our families are getting the services that they need," Stevens said. 

With many families struggling and mental health playing an important role in getting through the pandemic, the riders just want to do what they can.

"We're trying to bridge the gaps because every family is individual, our state is one state, and so [leaders] need to hear what the needs are and this is how we can help."