Thanksgiving race helps those in need
As part of an annual Thanksgiving tradition, local racers come together to collect food for Ozarks Food Harvest and participate in Turkey Trot, the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri.
Turkey Trot has collected more than 77,800 pounds of food for The Food Bank since 2001. That’s 64,800 meals! Do your part by donating three nonperishable food items at the 5K starting at 8 a.m. on Nov. 24.
This year is the 22nd annual race, and you can help support nonprofits like Ozarks Food Harvest, Developmental Center of the Ozarks and The Park Board’s scholarship fund.
- Register to run or walk. It’s $20 through 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, or $15 for kids 12 and under. Register at parkboard.org or download a form to mail in. On-site registration opens Wednesday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Expo Center and continues 6:15-7 a.m. on race day. On-site registration is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Don’t forget your food donations on race day!
- Volunteer to help collect food at the Expo, 635 E. St. Louis St., on Thanksgiving Day. Call Jolene at OFH or go to ozarksfoodharvest.org/volunteer.
- Donate your time the day prior to Turkey Trot at Packet Pick Up. Call the Park Board at (417) 864-1049 to help.