Madzie Carroll
Reporter
In light of the holiday, over 150 New Canaan residents laced up their running shoes for the eighth annual Turkey Trot held at Irwin Park on Nov. 20 to benefit the Open Door Shelter in Norwalk, CT. Because of those who participated in the 3K run around the park and their donations, an estimated $10,000 in donations were raised to provide meals to the homeless in the local area this Thanksgiving.
“The inspiration behind the Turkey Trot was our desire to help the homeless and hungry in our community,” Mr. Clark said. “Every person in this great country needs to find a way to contribute to humanity in deed, as well as in dollar.”
Having founded the event eight years ago with his family, Kevin Clark has worked closely with the shelter for years. “This is a very special organization which provides a comprehensive solution to homeless people and families,” he said. “They provide the basics such as food, shelter and clothing. They also have affordable rental properties which are instrumental in assisting their clients back into the workforce, with the discipline around paying rent and covering their own expenses.”
Mr. Clark said that when they deliver the checks collected to the shelter, the experience is eye opening. “On one of the trips to the shelter to deliver funds raised and warm coats collected, we brought a few of our student volunteers and I think they were very taken back when they met one of the facility residents who was wheel chair bound with no legs,” he said. “After seeing single moms with their small children all cohabitated together, they realized just how fortunate they have it living in New Canaan with all the advantages of this community.”
Junior Devin McVeigh, Co-Chairman of the event, has been involved with the Turkey Trot for the past two years and said he is grateful for the extra contributions they received. “I really enjoy working for the event,” Devin said. “Everyone donates a minimum of 20 dollars, but many people end up donating more. People also bring hats and gloves, so it is nice to come to the shelter with lots of stuff.”
Having run in the event, sophomore Drew Lord of St. Luke’s School said he appreciated the efforts of those who organized it. “[The Turkey Trot is a] good way to help people on Thanksgiving. The Clarks’ are really hard workers and do a great job with it.”
Sophomore Erik Jager agreed. “[It was a] beautiful day to run, and we are helping our community.”
According to New Canaan parent Jane Armstrong, she enjoyed running for a purpose.“I heard about the Turkey Trot through Service League of Boys (SLOBs),” she said. “It is so nice to know you’re out running for a good cause and you’re helping people; it’s a win-win!”
Photos by Madzie Carroll and Isabel Hetherington
