Families of missing children hit the trail in southwest Iowa Sunday in an effort to keep their names from being forgotten.

How is it possible a bike ride along the Wabash Trace in Mineola, Iowa can offer hope to families with missing loved ones? Ask Kelly Jolkowski and she'll tell you it's everything because this effort, called Miles For The Missing, keeps her son Jason in the forefront and lets others know about Project Jason, an organization Kelly formed for families in need of help.

"I know what it feels like, most people don't know what it feels like. I don't want them to know what it feels like, but you know what, if they get into that circumstance, I wanna be there for them, and I don't want them to go through it alone," said Kelly, whose 19-year-old son Jason disappeared in Omaha June 13, 2001.

It's why the Pospisil family joined the Jolkowskis in their efforts. Their daughter Erin disappeared in Cedar Rapids, Iowa almost three years ago. "It started out as just her and it's gone way beyond that," said mom Carolyn Pospisil. "If we find one kid through the pictures and events we do, that's what's important."

The parents of missing children also want to remind other parents about the importance of child identification kits like those offered by Project Jason.

It asks for an updated photo, your child's description, and a DNA sample in case the situation is ever warranted. "So many people get prepared for bad storms or whatever and stock up on food or water, but they don't think to prepare for emergencies like this," said Rebecca Gonzalez, mother of Brendan Gonzalez, the 4-year-old who was reported missing in Plattsmouth January 6, 2003.

As in the case of other missing children, fliers of Brendan were posted when he disappeared. Prayer vigils have also been held throughout the years for victims and yellow ribbons have been worn. Just like Sunday's bike ride, they are all efforts with one goal in mind, for missing children to find their way back home. "That's really what it's all about, it's about reuniting families," said Kelly Jolkowski.

About 70 people participated in this first Miles For The Missing, double what was expected. Kelly Jolkowski hopes to triple the number next year. For more information on Project Jason, log on to projectjason.org.