A well-known local fundraiser to help missing and exploited children has a different twist this year. The annual Syracuse Ride for Missing Children, which typically takes place at the end of September, is being held as a month-long fundraiser this year called 'Miles for Hope.'

As of last year, 443 children were reported missing and more than 1,900 were reported as abused or mistreated in Onondaga County. As the effort continues to help these kids, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children says it can use more support.

Through September, you're encouraged to make a $25 donation and sign up to ride, walk, run, swim or take part in any other physical activity. You can also sponsor cyclists who typically do the Ride for Missing Children event and have pledged to ride in this event.

The money raised helps the Center for Missing and Exploited Children with outreach efforts and school visits, and will support the families who are longing to bring their children home.

"It helps a ton. Not only does getting the word out help, but getting the word out to be safe and having people actually convey that message to children is the real goal," said Syracuse Ride for Missing Children Volunteer James Sleeper.

About 50 cyclists from Upstate New York will be making a special ride beginning September 11. They'll be riding from Utica to Alexandria, Va., to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

You can learn more about their efforts, sponsor a rider, or sign up for the Miles for Hope event online by visiting Missingkids.org/MilesforHope. Parents can also find tools online to help facilitate conversation with their kids around personal and internet safety.