We know these past two years have felt a lot more like a marathon than a sprint. So much is changing, and sometimes our only time to get away from it all is when we hit the pavement for our runs. The escape feels better than ever! As we all wonder when the world will “get back to normal” – or if it ever will – we know how beneficial the great outdoors and a pair of running shoes can be. If you want to share that joy and opportunity with others with a charitable donation during the holidays, we have some ideas.
Running really is a gift. Here are some of the ways to pay it forward, starting with programs for our youth.
Your Local Public School’s Athletic Program
We’re leading with this one because our kids need help. A year out of school and limited programs pulled kids away from friends and the activities that keep them engaged. Your local school likely has cross country and track programs that are underfunded, and need your dollars to share the sport with marginalized kids. Simply contact the school of choice and ask about a booster club or foundation for the athletic department!
CMS Athletics site (with schools): CMS Athletics – Charlotte
Girls on the Run
The earlier we can teach girls to be active and healthy, the more likely they are to make good habits that last a lifetime. Girls on the Run, founded in Charlotte, became a national phenomenon based on this premise. The popular after-school program offers the opportunity and encouragement girls need to learn about inner strength, confidence, and their own health and fitness at a crucial age. GOTR teaches skills of character, care, and self-reliance through running.
To give: https://www.gotrgreaterclt.org/Support-Us
To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2020/01/28/maghan-knight/
Let Me Run
If you’ve heard of Girls on the Run, you may know there is a similar group for boys called Let Me Run. A new, reformulated-for-the-times curriculum addresses boys’ emotional needs brought on by the pandemic, in addition to its traditional format of challenging the “Boy Code.” The non-profit program, also founded in Charlotte and growing nationwide, encourages boys in 4th through 8th grade to be healthy, build relationships, and live active lifestyles with skills learned through running and positive communication.
To give: Let Me Run Donations | LetMeRun.org
To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2020/01/14/jay-seago/
Cross Country for Youth
Cross Country for Youth introduces young people to cross-country and character-building concepts with twice-a-week training. The non-profit for 9- to 14- year-olds (4th – 8th grades) teaches endurance, flexibility, and character development through group runs, stretching, and focused talks about Integrity, Respect, Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Perseverance, Teamwork, Commitment, Courage, Discipline, and Leadership.
To Give: Cross-Country For Youth
Running Works
Running can have a transformative effect on people’s lives, and RunningWorks proves this where the rubber – pardon the pun – meets the road. The nonprofit adjusted its programs during the pandemic to continue to give Charlotte’s homeless population an avenue to take control of their lives with life skills learned through mentoring and the health and wellness of running. They are “off and running” in the new year and can always use volunteers and donations!
To give: https://runningworks.org/donate/
To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/11/02/matt-sharp-2/
Black Men Run
Black Men Run is about more than just getting in the miles. This program aims to reverse negative health trends and increased health risks that plague Black males, by offering support and camaraderie through running. The organization’s mission is to encourage African American males to get out and be active. The Charlotte chapter of this national organization is very active and open to all!
To give: Black Men Run: Home
To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/11/09/gregory-washington/
Black Girls Run
Black Girls Run was launched in 2009 to encourage and motivate Black women to practice a healthy lifestyle, and to battle what the nonprofit calls the “growing obesity epidemic” in the African American community. The group is a fitness resource for runners and gym rats alike, to get ALL women off the couch and get active, regardless of race, and create a movement to lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.
To give: BGR! Foundation
To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/04/13/black-girls-run/
Para Guides
Running a marathon or taking part in other sports is a big enough challenge for most people, but now imagine you are training or competing with a visual impairment that doesn’t let you see the crowd or bumps in the road as clearly as the other athletes. Para Guides allows athletes with visual disabilities to train and compete in swimming, cycling, running, or group activities by pairing them with another athlete or coach who guides their way, even providing transportation if they have none.
To give: Blind Running | Para Guide | United States
To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/09/03/shannon-houlihan/
Speed for Need
This nonprofit was created with inclusiveness in mind. Trained drivers (runners) share races with their special needs Track Commanders (riders) by pushing them in customized racing wheelchairs. Speed for Need has a mission to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need, supported by the men of F3 Nation.
To Give: Speed for Need | Who Pushes Who?
To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/07/23/kevin-young/
Samaritan’s Feet
Samaritan’s Feet believes that a new pair of shoes can provide a tangible foundation of hope, and decrease the possibility of getting a foot-borne disease. Since its founding in 2003, this Charlotte-based non-profit and partners have distributed over 8 million pairs of shoes in 108 countries and over 440 U.S. cities.
To Give: Samaritans Feet
To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2020/11/17/tracie-ohonme/
Hemby Foundation
The Hemby Foundation is the charitable entity that supports the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, beneficiaries of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. While not technically a running nonprofit, they fight hard to protect and preserve the health of our children so they can grow strong and run someday!
To give: Support Hemby Children’s Hospital
To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/09/28/jessica-osborn/