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Turkey Trot supports local community

Submitted photos Eric Ruf, Barbour Community Health Association executive director, and Denise Holbert, Belington Wellness Center manager, proudly present $1,600 in matching funds to Belington Presbyterian Church members Renee Poe and Esther Rhoades.

BELINGTON — Belington area residents broke in their running shoes recently at the sixth annual Turkey Trot, sponsored by the Belington Wellness Center.

All proceeds are divided between two organizations in Barbour County — the Heart & Hand House and the Belington Presbyterian Church, which feeds around 400 people every Thanksgiving Day.

Both Heart & Hand House and the Belington Presbyterian Church received $1,600 from the Barbour Community Health Association.

Renee Poe, Belington Presbyterian Church member and volunteer, commended the efforts of all involved.

“The community is so gracious. Many businesses and folks trust us to do this every year,” Poe said. “People bring in turkeys and money right up to Thanksgiving Day to show their support.”

Eric Ruf, Barbour Community Health Association executive director, and Denise Holbert, Belington Wellness Center manager, proudly present $1,600 in matching funds to Brenda Hunt, Heart and Hand House executive director.

The Belington Presbyterian Church has been hosting Thanksgiving Day dinners since 1995, with the help of 20 to 25 volunteers who deliver and dish out the food. This year, Thanksgiving Day Dinner is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and anyone is welcome to get a plate at no cost.

Marlana Pennington, of the Belington Wellness Center, said it’s hard to believe the Turkey Trot has been going on for six years.

“One of the things that make it special to me is the cause,” Pennington said. “A lot of times, we forget that there are people in need right in our own community.”

Brenda Hunt, executive director for the Heart & Hand House in Philippi, said the Turkey Trot is tremendously helpful for the food pantry.

“This couldn’t come at a better time,” Hunt said. “As we are heading into the Thanksgiving season, we see an increase in the number of families that come to the food pantry. We are so thankful for the support of the clinic, the sponsors and the community.”

Heart & Hand House had seven volunteers helping with race day, showing they are willing to be personally involved in this community effort.

Participants came out ready to run or walk, and some people dressed in costumes. This year featured a total of 64 participants, the oldest being Robert Cole of Buckhannon at the age of 83. The youngest participant was 5-year-old Maleah Frye from Barbour County. The top male runner was Noah Ward and the top female was Olivia Frye. Costume winners were an entire family of monkeys.

The Wellness Center had a Facebook contest for a free registration entry, which was won by Nicole Findley, of Belington.

According to a press release, Turkey Trot sponsors were Shop N’ Save, Dave’s Heating and Plumbing LLC, Mace’s Pharmacy, Melody Jones CPA, BCHA, Kaiser’s Coffee and Candy Inc., Hometown Pizzeria, Skatezone, Lake’s Bookkeeping & Taxes and Lab Corp.

The Turkey Trot takes place the first Saturday of November each year.

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