Published: November 06, 2009 02:43 pm      

Park looks to help food pantries with run

AVON — In a year where the economic times could lead to more individuals and families utilizing local food banks for the holidays, the Avon-Washington Township Park is looking to help.

In order to do this, the park will host its inaugural Turkey Run, with all of the proceeds going to local food banks, on Nov. 14.

“We wanted to have a fall run and race,” said Jessica Compton, recreation coordinator for the park. “We know that this year is going to be hard for a lot of people and we just wanted to find a way to give back to the community. Most people don’t think about giving food items to the pantries.”

The fee for the 5K/10K run and walk is five non-perishable food items or $10. Both the food items and all of the money will be donated to the county’s pantries.

Though this is the first year for the event, Compton said that the goal is to have 100 people participate.

“We want to do this each year and we want it to build,” she said. “We will start out this year and see if we can do even more next year.

The course will consist of a well-marked trail in the park.

“(The course) will be gorgeous,” Compton said. “It should be a nice hike through the park.”

Each person who participates in the race will receive an aluminum water bottle that says “Turkey Run” on it.

Compton said that the race is timed, but is also for individuals who want to enjoy a recreational walk through the park. Check-in for the race starts at 9 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m.

Early registration is preferred, but participants may also register the day of the run. The parks department will be accepting registration forms at any time. They can be mailed to 311 Production Drive, Avon, IN 46123. Registration forms are available online at www.washingtontwpparks.org, at the Washington Township Government Center, or at the Avon Chamber of Commerce.

For food pantries such as Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, the economic times the country is facing create some extra pressure.

“The challenge that we hear about in the 21 counties that we serve, including Hendricks, is that the demand is soaring,” said Pamela Altmeyer, president and CEO of Gleaners. “We are meeting the need, but it is putting a strain on our pantries. Poverty is up 40 percent and it is up 50 percent in Marion County.”

Due to this need, Altmeyer has a special message for those participating in the Turkey Run.

“I would like to thank those people who run in and organize the Turkey Run,” she said. “They are helping to feed their hungry neighbors.”

Canned goods will only be accepted on the day of the race.

For more information, contact Kristen Hansen by calling 272-1835 or by e-mailing to khansen@avonfd.org.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com