East Liberty County American Legion Post 321 is hosting its first-ever “5-click” Fun Run/Walk fundraiser Saturday in Midway.

Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the run starts at 8 a.m. at the old Midway Church.

Post Cmdr. Dennis Fitzgerald, a retired Army Ranger, explained that a click is 1,000 meters, or one kilometer, in military jargon. But for nonmilitary community members, this weekend’s event is a 5K run/walk. The entry fee is $5 or an equal amount of canned or dry-food goods.

The fundraiser is for Operation Holiday Basket, which provides a Thanksgiving meal to needy families within the community served by Post 321. Each basket includes a 10- to 12-pound turkey, stuffing, vegetables and dessert. All proceeds from the run will be used to purchase items for the baskets.

“We’ve been doing Operation Holiday Basket since 2006, the year our post was first established,” Fitzgerald said. “We try to give out about 80 food baskets every year before Thanksgiving. Each year, we have asked businesses for assistance with Operation Holiday Basket. This year, we’re hosting the fun run so everybody can contribute.”

Fitzgerald said participating in the run is a way for community members to help other members of the community less fortunate than themselves and ensure needy families in the community will have a meal for the national holiday.

“We even provide the pan to cook the turkey in,” he added. “We don’t know yet where we’ll get the turkeys. We’re looking to see which store will give us the best price, and we’re also going to check with some of the nearby poultry farms to see if any would like to donate turkeys.”

Fitzgerald said the run/walk’s route goes east on Martin Road, takes a U-turn at Butler Street and returns to the church on Martin.
“It’s been a big learning experience,” said Fitzgerald, noting that logistical coordination for a running event required a lot more than he anticipated. “We have gotten tremendous support from the Midway Police Department, and a lot of individuals and business have provided those indispensable things necessary for an event like this.”

He specifically named Paul Krebs Construction Company, which donated signs and barrels to mark the route; Mark Floyd’s Porta-toilets; Elan Technology; and Imprint Warehouse.

For more information about this year’s event or to donate to Operation Holiday Basket, call Post 321 Adjutant Darryl Woodard at 977-0759.