By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Lace up for the Race to Restock, a community run raising funds to fight poverty and provide local residents with essential resources.
Hosted by First Call for Help of Ellis County, the fundraiser supports one of Hays' food pantries and awards participants for their efforts.
Macey Pfeifer, executive director of First Call for Help, said the funds will assist about 70 households facing food insecurity.
"We have five students that we're working with. ... We decided that our biggest need right now is to raise money for our food pantry," she said.
The April 26 event is a joint effort between First Call for Help and students in a Leadership 310 class who are gaining practical, hands-on experience.
The race includes a 5K run for $25, a 10K run for $30, and a 1-mile walk for $20. All start at 8 a.m. at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, with check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Participants who register by April 11 will receive a finisher’s medal. Same-day registration is available, though medals are not guaranteed for those who sign up after the deadline.
You can register online here or donate to the cause at the First Call for Help of Ellis County website.
The race features seven age divisions to ensure fair competition, with first-place winners in each group receiving prizes donated by local businesses.
Thanks to the students leading the project, sponsors will cover the initial costs, such as refreshments, donuts and volunteer T-shirts.
Pfeifer said the event aims to raise $2,500 to $3,000.
You can learn more about the First Call for Help of Ellis County food pantry here and follow them on Facebook.