STEUBENVILLE — Participants in the Jefferson County General Health District’s upcoming Dashing for Diapers Holiday 5K will tour through the Steubenville Nutcracker Village while supporting a burgeoning community assistance program.

The 5K run/walk will take place at 9 a.m. on Dec. 14 near Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. Third St. All proceeds from the event will go toward the JCGHD’s Jefferson County Diaper Bank, which provides free diapers to local families who struggle to afford them for their children.

Individuals can sign up by visiting jchealth.com or navigating to the JCGHD’s event page on Facebook. Same-day registrations are also welcome.

Returning for its second year, the 5K is shifting from its previous location, Belleview Park. Health Commissioner Andrew Henry said the move will afford participants a more scenic view and avoid interference with other planned events downtown.

“Last year, we did the 5K on the same morning as the Steubenville Christmas Parade. We thought that, ultimately, it was a competing event, … (and) it made the downtown course unavailable that morning because people were setting up for the parade. So, we decided to think differently this year and are doing it the week after the (parade) in order to have it downtown, so people can enjoy the nutcrackers on Fourth Street and the surrounding area and the Advent Market.”

Commencing at 9 a.m., the race will start at the Steubenville police station and see participants travel two laps around the downtown following Adams Street, Fourth Street, Clinton Street and Fifth Street. After the second loop, participants will finish at the fort.

The cost for a runner or walker is $25. Awards will be given to the top two runners and walkers, divided by categories according to age and gender.

Kids can participate in a free “Reindeer Run” tot trot, which will begin at 8:55 a.m. All participants will receive a medal.

The deadline to receive an event T-shirt has passed, but anyone who brings a pack of diapers to the event will be entered for a chance to win door prizes.

Henry advised all those who will be driving downtown on the morning of Dec. 14 to “drive with caution and respect those participating to make it a safe event.”

JCGHD Nursing Director Kylie Smogonovich said the diaper bank, which began distribution in February, has been “going really well.” On average, the bank is enrolling between five and 10 new children per month, she said, and 333 total children have been enrolled since the bank’s start.

“With the monetary and retrial donations we receive, we’re able to still enroll new families and not have to turn anybody away who is in need,” Smogonovich said.

The JCGHD received around 900 donated diapers during last year’s 5K. Smogonovich said the health department hopes to exceed those numbers this year, and it already expects to surpass last year’s participant count.

“We’re also able to get other assistance to these families when they come in for diapers, such as education, and link them to other resources and help alleviate the impact that diaper need has on them,” Smogonovich added. “Whether that’s financial alleviation — allowing them to pay other utility bills — or better supporting their mental health, knowing that they’re able to take care of their child and keep them clean and dry.”

With December being “the season of giving,” all families who come to pick up their diapers this month will receive a pack of baby wipes as well.

Those who may benefit from the diaper bank’s assistance should call the JCGHD office at (740) 283-8530 and speak with the nursing department. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to diaperbank@jchealth.com. Additional information and a need assessment survey can be found on the JCGHD’s website and Facebook page.