Nearly 200 walkers and runners braved some chilly weather to benefit the Red Cross.
Just one week after a tornado ripped through the town of Washington, Illinois 175 people signed up to participate in the Run for the Red 5k on Sunday, November 24, 2013 in DeWitt, Iowa.
The race took place at Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail.
Proceeds from the 6th annual event go to benefit the American Red Cross, which provides food, shelter, and emotional support to victims of disasters. The executive director of the Gateway Area Chapter, Amber Wood, said the event is their fall fundraiser. The chapter has a goal to raise $10,000 which would help with their missions as well as help train volunteers.
Wood said she hopes families impacted by disasters begin to see the American Red Cross symbol as a symbol of hope.
“Twenty-four hours a day we have volunteers on the scene [in Washington, Illinois] that are working to make sure people have a place to stay, food to eat, and their basic needs are being met.”
Click here to see how you can help with relief efforts in Washington.