T-Town Turkey Trot to return on Thanksgiving Day
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TORONTO -- Before serving up their Thanksgiving meals or sitting down for an afternoon of football viewing, a growing number of area residents have been starting out the holiday with a run or walk along the streets of the Gem City.
Last year 104 took part in the T-Town Turkey Trot, a race that raises funds each year the Helping Hands Food Panty, a Toronto-based charity.
Amanda Yazbek, the event's organizer, said it's grown a lot since she launched it, with help from her family and others, 10 years ago.
In its first year, the early morning race drew six participants, raising $100, she noted.
Last year, it generated about $4,000, including a $1,000 match from J.E. Foster Funeral Home, which has supported it in that way for several years.
Yazbek said to celebrate the anniversary, winter hats bearing the race's logo will be given to the first 100 who register.
She expressed thanks for the generosity and cooperation of Knight Time Kreations, the local business that produced the hats.
"They did such a fantastic job on them," said Yazbek.
To receive one, participants simply must be among the first to show up at about 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day to sign up for the race, which will begin at 8 a.m. at 408 North River Ave.
Yazbek said the registration fee is a donation of the participant's choice, but those who donate $25 or more will be entered into drawings for about 30 prizes.
This year, additional tickets will be sold to participants or observers -- five for $5 or 12 for $12.
Proceeds from the drawings and the run go to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, which serves many residents in need throughout the year.
Yazbek, who is president of its volunteer board, said it recently received a tremendous boost through the collection of nearly 3,000 canned goods and other nonperishable food items from the doorsteps of local homes by Cub Scout Pack 41 and Boy Scout Troop 41.
The local Girl Scout troop also supported the food pantry in October, donating many birthday cake kits.
She noted nonperishable food is distributed from 9 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of each month, while bread and pastries are usually available from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.
In the warmer months, the food pantry provides fresh produce.
Recipients are asked to present a state ID with photo and utility bill showing their current address.
Those needing help are encouraged to call (740) 632-6595.
The race is one of four held in Toronto for various charities and the last of the year.
Those who have participated in all of them will receive a medallion noting their completion of the Quadfecta Challenge.
Yazbek said the idea behind the race was to express thankfulness for the blessings in one's life by helping someone who is less fortunate.
"I couldn't imagine starting my Thanksgiving in any other way," she said, adding she's proud that it's always been part of her two daughters' holiday tradition.
"It's just really special. I'm just really excited to keep the tradition going every year," she said.