The Holidays are not just the time to get together with friends and families, but it is also a time of giving. Unfortunately not everyone will be surrounded by the fire with their loved ones this Holiday Season. It is a time to remember that you can always do something to help those less fortunate. What better way to help out than to combine your passion for running to help those less fortunate.

Below are a few events that allow you to use your running to help those in need.

Saturday December 20th: Toy Drive Holiday Run hosted by Philly Runner

Details of run:

We love the holiday season and bringing runners together to celebrate. Last year we started a run to bring together our running community to give back to an organization that provides to the greater Philadelphia community.

Join us on December 20th at our Center City store (16th and Sansom) at 10AM for a special holiday run to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House located in University City. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House has provided us with a holiday wish list and this year they are asking for gift cards so that families at the house can go out and get what they NEED for the holidays. There is no registration fee for this race, instead runners are asked to bring gift cards valued at $25.

We will run from our store to the house (approximately 1.9 miles each way) and then run back to the store to warm up with doughnuts and apple cider.

Saturday December 27th: Homeless For The Holidays 5K/ 2.5K Walk

Details of the run:

By participating in the Homeless For The Holidays 5K Run / 2.5K Walk, you will be providing food, shelter and much needed winter essentials for those that need them most. All proceeds will go the the Pennies From Kevan Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization that provides funding to local organizations that support the homeless and those otherwise unable to self-sustain.

The majority of funds raised by this event will go directly to two organizations in Philadelphia that strive, on a daily basis, to help the poor and homeless: St. Francis Inn and The Last Stop. Bring a pair of adult or children’s size unused gloves, socks or thermal underwear with you to the event. You’ll be helping a homeless man, woman or child stay warm this winter, and receive $5 off your registration fee!

Back On My Feet

All year round the mission of the folks at Back on My Feet is to fight against poverty. You can visit the Back On My Feet Philly Website/ Twitter/ Facebook pages to see how you can help support their cause locally.