The United Way of Eastern Utah along with Washington Federal are hosting a 5K Fun Run on Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 am. The race will kick off at Washington Federal which is located at 308 East Main Street and it will benefit the United Way of Eastern Utah’s Soles 2 Souls program.

“The Soles 2 Souls program is a program that was started at United Way of Eastern Utah really about 14 years ago. The thing is, in our community, there are a lot of families who are struggling financially and a new pair of shoes for their kids is really way down on the list. A lot of times the teachers and the administrators at the school were providing the shoes for the kids,” explained Thayn. This is why the United Way of Eastern Utah has partnered with Washington Federal to replenish their supply of shoes.

The cost to participate in the 5K Fun Run is a donation of a brand-new pair of shoes for ages kindergarten to twelfth grade. “What are the most important sizes to bring for the school kids so if you have a child in school then you already know what sizes your kids wear, bring a pair like that. What we do need is anything like a size 13 in kids up to about a size six in kids that would be elementary age sizes, and then sizes seven to 13 and we even have a few 14s in the high school age, junior high, high school age,” said Thayn. The organization tries to have a variety of sizes on hand so that they can accommodate those students that are in need. If race participants would rather make a monetary donation they are allowed to do so.

Another important event that will be taking place is the United Way of Eastern Utah Appreciation Dinner. “The Appreciation Dinner is really just a way for us to thank our cornerstone partners and everybody in the community who participates with United Way throughout the year. So this year we’re providing a meal, it’s $10.00 a plate and everyone is welcomed to come. Come and celebrate all the exciting things that are happening at United Way,” said Thayn. The dinner will be held at the Notre Dame Hope Center on 185 North Carbon Avenue and guests are asked to RSVP by March 23.

For more information about the 5K Fun Run or to RSVP for the Appreciation Dinner please contact United Way of Eastern Utah at (435) 637-8911 or by email liveunited@uweu.org