Thanksgiving effort to feed the hungry

The Fallbrook Food Pantry has begun preparations for one of its most important fundraisers of the year, the Thanksgiving Walk/Run to Feed the Hungry, scheduled for November 19.

In 2006 the local food pantry started the tradition of asking community members to walk or run together, and find sponsors who donate money to support them, in an effort to raise funds to provide food for the needy in the greater Fallbrook area. Each year groups and individuals of all ages come together for this great event.

The Thanksgiving tradition of Run to Feed the Hungry began in 1994 in Sacramento where Gaylord Walker organized the first run as a benefit for the Sacramento food bank. The growing popularity of the event is related to the notion that as we give thanks for our own blessings at Thanksgiving, we should also reach out to help those who are in need.

Everyone can participate, either by walking and collecting donations from supporters, by supporting someone else to run or walk for you at the event, or by mailing a check to the Fallbrook Food Pantry.

Sponsor forms will be distributed through the churches or can be picked up at the Food Pantry, 1042 S. Mission Rd., Fallbrook. Donations collected will be turned in prior to the race, at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, at the Food Pantry. Water, coffee, fresh fruit and rolls will be served after completing the walk. For more information, call me (Jean Dooley) at (760) 728-5682 or the Food Pantry at (760) 728-7608.

Jean Dooley