Gobble Jog is MUST Ministries’ #1 fundraising event of the year and the nonprofit’s leadership has been working diligently to find ways to continue the annual Thanksgiving morning tradition. However, due to restrictions on public gatherings, the Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog will be a virtual race.
At the same time, MUST Ministries is experiencing the greatest food need in its 49-year history. Food sources are scarce. Food banks’ inventory is very low, grocery stores have a limit on quantities and the aluminum shortage has reduced the availability of canned goods.
“For 49 years, MUST Ministries has been called to offer help and hope, but we have never seen such an insurmountable need,” stated MUST Ministries President and CEO Dr. Ike Reighard. “During the pandemic, we have done everything we can to serve those in poverty and those plunging into poverty for the first time.”
MUST has distributed more than 1.42 MILLION POUNDS of food since March 16. The organization provides 38 school food pantries and 3 client services pantries, sends food boxes to senior citizens in two counties and finished the annual Summer Lunch program with a record 379,471 meals provided to at-risk children in five counties. But a lack of food is still a critical problem for many area residents.
“Families are trusting us in one of the most trying times of their lives and yet we must have more help to meet the overwhelming need,” he stated. “We are asking the local community to please sign up to run the Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog virtually and post your time or donate money that will provide food for your neighbors in need.”
Runners and walkers choose between a 10K, 5K, 1K, Tot Trot (50 yards) or phantom runner and then run their own race anytime between November 1 – 26. The race cost is $35 and includes a color-wash, long-sleeved t-shirt that will be mailed after Thanksgiving.
Once registered, runners can also help raise money by letting family, friends and co-workers know the following three ways they can donate:
- Running in honor or memory of a loved one
- Donate a dollar to match each date of November (totaling $351)
- 26 Days of Thanks – post what are you thankful for on social media each day and raise money in thankfulness
All proceeds will go to provide food for the local community. To sign up for the Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog virtual race, please visit www.gobblejog.org. #nohungernovember
