Students, educators and other concerned citizens will gather at the intersection of Silverdale Way and Kitsap Mall Boulevard in Silverdale from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24 to promote safe schools free of gun violence at the 4 the Kids – Kitsap march.

In the wake of the Feb. 14 Florida shooting, a group of former Kitsap County educators and community activists founded 4 the Kids – Kitsap, whose goal is to support and connect local high school students and the community in actions and policies that promote safe schools and leadership for change.

The Silverdale march is reportedly one of more than 500 planned nationally on March 24 to both commemorate the Valentine’s Day tragedy.

Students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are leading the nationwide charge in calling for action from lawmakers. They have been joined by retailers Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart, REI and Fred Meyer to impose restrictions on the availability of guns and to curtail association with companies that sell firearms.

Visit the “4 the Kids” Facebook page for more information and updates on events: www.facebook.com/4theKidsKitsap.