Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and while we generally think of the day as one to sit around with family and pig out, there are also a couple of great events taking place this Thanksgiving morning to help support those who may not be fortunate enough to eat a gigantic Thanksgiving meal.

Lifetime’s Turkey Day 5K

Started in 1989 in downtown Minneapolis, the Turkey Day 5K has spread to Chicago, Phoenix, and Boise, and is a great event to add to your family’s Thanksgiving traditions.

This year, the Turkey Day 5K is urging participants to bring as many non-perishable food items as they can to the pre-race collection sites. Lifetime would like to beat the previous single location donation of 50,000 lbs of non-perishable food items this year, so start stocking up now!

If you want to participate in the 5K, but aren’t really feeling the whole walking/running/jogging part, have no fear; the Turkey Day 5K always has room for tons of volunteers! From working race-day registration, to t-shirt distribution, to working in the Family Fun area, there is a place for just about everyone.

For more information on the Turkey Day 5K, to register for the race, or to register as a volunteer, visit http://www.turkeyday-5k.com/page/show/353627-home

 

Walk to End Hunger

Maybe you’re someone who would rather walk around a mall this Thanksgiving. If so, the Walk to End Hunger event at the Mall of America is the perfect event for you! Registration for the walk opens at 7:00 AM, and the walk starts at 7:30 AM. Presented by Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Mosaic Company, the Walk to End Hunger is a family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season.

The Walk to End Hunger began in 2008, and has raised nearly $900,000 to help support the 12 partner hunger relief organizations that work to eliminate hunger in the Twin Cities area.

The route of the Walk is equal to about six laps around the first floor of the Mall of America. Participants can walk as much, or as little, as they please. Who could say no to this fantastic excuse to window shop?

To keep walkers amused, there will also be different activities and entertainment taking place at three different locations along the Walk route.

For more information about the Walk to End Hunger, and to register, visit http://www.walktoendhunger.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1032577