Salvation Army hosts charity 5K
WAYNESBURG – The holiday season thrives on tradition, from the shopping mall Santa to community Christmas parades, light-up nights and the familiar sound of a Salvation Army bell ringer.
It seems many tend to be drawn toward the glitter of the season, while perhaps the real meaning of the holiday rests with the generosity of those who drop loose change or some rolled bills into that red kettle.
The holiday season is pivotal for the Salvation Army, a time when much of its revenue is generated for the many services its offers year-round.
To help ensure its mission is met, the Greene County Salvation Army is hosting the Red Kettle 5K Run, Walk and Kids’ Run Dec. 1 at the Waynesburg Readiness Center at EverGreene Technology Park.
Ryan Smith, an employee at Waynesburg University and a member of the board of directors for the Salvation Army’s Greene County Service Center, said, “We are so excited to provide this opportunity for community members to run for a cause. Individuals who participate in this event will be a part of raising funds for the Greene County Salvation Army’s general operating budget. All money raised will directly impact our community members in Greene County.”
The event begins with registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Kids’ Mile Fun Run for ages 12 and under at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K Run & Walk at 9 a.m.
A pancake breakfast and Chinese auction with Santa and his elves will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Runner registration fees cover the cost of the breakfast. For non-race participants, the cost is $6.
The age categories for the 5K Run/Walk are 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 plus.
The entry fees and deadlines are as follows: 5K Run/Walk: Preregistration by Nov. 14, $20; late registration after Nov. 14, $25; Kids’ Mile Fun Run: preregistration by Nov.14, $15; late registration after Nov. 14, $20.
All participants will receive a Red Kettle Run T-shirt, patch, a Salvation Army reusable bag full of goodies, a pancake breakfast and a chance to win a race medallion.
Awards will be given to the overall top male and female finisher competing in the 5K run and medals will be given to the top three male and female runners in each age group competing in the 5K Run and Kids’ Mile Fun Run.
Medals will be awarded to the top two male and female walkers in each age group competing in the 5K Walk. All finishers will receive a Salvation Army patch.
“We are promoting a day in Greene County,” Smith said. “Race in the morning and stay in town and enjoy the Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade at 2 p.m.”
Sister Audrey Quinn, director of The Salvation Army’s Greene County Service Center, praised her board of directors for initiating this fundraising event.
“I have the best board in the world and I am hoping for a huge turnout of runners,” she said.
To register for the Red Kettle Run, go online at salvationarmywpa.org/5k.