LANDINGVILLE - The Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County is looking to double the number of participants for its second 5K Run and Walk fundraiser on April 27.
"We are hoping to have a pretty neat race this year. We are aiming for about 300 people this time," Care Net Director Cheryl Cresswell said Monday. "It's a fun way to reach out to the community and raise some funds."
According to the organization's website, Care Net describes itself as a nonprofit, life-affirming crisis pregnancy center assisting women in unplanned pregnancies with free pregnancy testing, parenting and material support without prejudice and has been serving communities in Schuylkill County for more than 13 years. The mission of the ministry organization is "to offer a safe place for women and their families to explore their options related to pregnancy and their future" by "being a trustworthy, compassionate, faith-based provider of confidential, loving support."
She said Care Net started a walk for life fundraiser in 2000 and only added a 5K run to the program last year. The first run had about 150 participants, she said.
The race will start at 9:30 a.m. at 8 Church Street, Landingville, and continue along the Bertram Trail. Walkers will follow. Registration is $20 and $5 for children under the age of 13. People can register on race day but those registered before April 18 will receive a free T-shirt.
Pre-register online at www.freepregnancyhelp.org or pretzelcitysports.com, or by mailing a registration form with a check to Care Net, P.O. Box 1262, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Children younger than 13 will receive a gift and medals will be awarded to: first-, second- and third-place finishers; male and female runners in certain age groups; oldest finisher; youngest finisher; and the highest dollar amount raised.
There is also a "Precious Feet" scavenger hunt. Participants who find and turn in baby shoes found along the race path will receive prizes.
Participants with more than $100 in sponsored pledges will be included in prize drawings after the race at the Church Street Pavilion. Participants must be present to win.
Care Net will have its annual Charity Golf Classic event May 17 at the Schuylkill Country Club, Orwigsburg. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the event will start at 9 a.m. Entry fees are $75 per player and $300 per foursome. To join Care Net for lunch without golf, the fee is $25 per person. Payments are due by May 1.
As a ministry organization, Care Net does not receive any federal funding.
"Everything comes from the community," Cresswell said.
The center provides additional services such as parenting education, post-abortion counseling, biblical counseling, abstinence education, teen life skills and community referrals. The center also has a sexual integrity group and a men's ministry.
Cresswell said the funds raised from the event will be used for education and materials at the center.
"We go through so many diapers," Cresswell said.
Care Net established the New Life Shoppe in 2008 at the center to raise funds and promote the organization's services. Open to the general public, the shop has diapers, clothing and other items available.
Anyone looking to volunteer or support Care Net and the New Life Shoppe and its mission to assist women and teens can call 570-624-7244. Donations of diapers and clothing are also always welcome. For additional information about the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County, visit www.freepregnancyhelp.org.
