The Greene County Salvation Army is hosting its annual Red Kettle Run (RKR), 5K Walk, Run, and Kids’ Mile Fun Run at the Waynesburg Central High School on December 7th. The money raised from the RKR will impact individuals that live in Greene County. All proceeds will be used to help elderly and less fortunate individuals by assisting with utility bill payments, providing jackets and warm clothing, and sending children to Camp Allegheny.
All registrants are guaranteed an RKR long sleeve shirt (if preregistered), patch, reusable bag, and pancake breakfast. Awards will be given to the overall top male and female finishers competing in the 5K run. Medals will be given to the top three male and female runners in each age group competing in the 5K run and the Kids’ Mile Fun Run. Medals will also be awarded to the top two male and female walkers in each group competing in the 5K walk.
The cost to register for the 5K run/walk is $20 by Nov.15th and $25 after that date. The cost to register for the Kids’ Mile Fun Run is $15 by Nov. 15th and $20 after that. Registration starts at 7:30am. The Kids’ Mile Fun Run begins at 8:30am and the 5K run/walk begins at 9am. To register online, visit salvationarmywpa.org/5k.
“We have been working really hard to create and plan this community event where everyone feels welcomed to attend,” says Ryan Smith, race director. “This event is for walkers and runners wanting to participate in a 5K Race. It’s also for families looking to participate in a local inexpensive event prior to Greene County’s Annual Christmas Parade.”
Following the race, a pancake breakfast with Santa and his elves will be held from 9:30am until 11:30am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and juice. Cost is $6 for non-race participants.
The race is just one of the ways Salvation Army works to serve those in Greene County. The yearly Red Kettle campaign, Project Bundle Up, and many more programs offer assistance to those that need it. Leading the way for these programs is the Salvation Army of Greene County’s new director, Carla Hughes.
Carla has been with the SA for 9 ½ years, starting in Uniontown as a caseworker. She stayed in that position until she moved to Greene County as the director in July, taking over for Sister Audrey Quinn after her retirement. As a caseworker, she assisted those needing financial help, worked with Project Bundle Up, and assisted with the other programs offered.
The SA provides assistance is many ways to those in our area – often providing services that people don’t realize are available. They can assist financially with rent, lodging, utilities, prescriptions, glasses, food and burials. In addition to all of those services, the Salvation Army can help with emergency supplies like diapers, coupon exchange, disaster services, back-to-school clothes, Treasures for Children, Kids’ Birthday Club, prom attire and Camp Allegheny.
The SA also partners with WTAE for Project Bundle-Up, to provide winter coats, shoes, hats, and gloves to children and seniors. Applications for Project Bundle Up began in October. The program is open to newborn to 18 years and 62 and older.
To assist with Christmas needs for area children, the Treasures for Children and Christmas Assistance programs help ensure that everyone gets to feel some of the special joy surrounding the Christmas season. Signups for Christmas Assistance were held on October 15 – 18, but two make up dates are available on November 4 & 5 from 9am-1pm. The program is open to newborns to age 12.
The biggest part of all these programs is YOU. Without caring volunteers these programs, can’t be successful. The Salvation Army is currently looking for volunteers to assist with the Red Kettle Campaign, starting November 29, Treasures for Children, Christmas Assistance, Adopt-A-Family and more. If you’re interested in volunteering or your business would like to sponsor a program, contact 724-852-1479 or email carla.hughes@use.salvationarmy.org. To stay up to date with info, visit facebook.com/greenesalvationarmy. FMI on the Red Kettle Run, contact Ryan Smith at 740.359.4467 or at rsmith@waynesburg.edu.
