This Thanksgiving at 9 AM, the most loved family 5K race in the region will kick off with a bang. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the Rescue Mission’s Drumstick DASH will welcome over 13,000 runners, walkers, strollers, and four legged friends, all “moving their feet so others can eat.”
Pulling off such a huge event takes a lot of volunteer power. Students in the William Fleming High School ROTC have volunteered with the DASH since the very first race, working in the registration room and as road marshals.
“The kids love to come down and help out, even when it’s been cold,” says William Fleming ROTC Captain Mark Hutton. “Afterwards, they may mention how cold it was, but they talk more about the people they saw, the outfits they were wearing — you can’t help but smile when you see all the people that come out that early in the morning.”
According to Hutton, aside from the fun, the ROTC also volunteers to show support for fellow students. “Over the years we have had kids whose families have received services from the Rescue Mission, and more recently we have had kids who have stayed there. It is nice to know that there is a place for them to go and have a hot meal and a warm place to sleep.”
Along with the army of volunteers assisting the Mission the week of the Drumstick DASH and on race day, more than 100 others will serve during the annual Thanksgiving Feast, which feeds hundreds of people from the community in addition to shelter guests.
“There is always a huge need for volunteers during the holiday season,” says Rescue Mission Volunteer Manager, Karl Stewart. “We are so thankful to have hundreds of people eager to spend time on their Thanksgiving Day to serve others in the community.”
To volunteer with the Drumstick DASH call 540-777-7651 or email [email protected]. Registration to participate in the race is open online at drumstickdash.net. The deadline to register and guarantee your t-shirt size is November 14. Registration will continue to the morning of the event.