SIDNEY — The First Presbyterian Church of Sidney will host the ninth annual Turkey Trot 5K Run to End Hunger on Thanksgiving Day, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The Turkey Trot is a noncompetitive 3.1-mile event that is open to people of all ages and abilities.

In lieu of a monetary registration fee, participants are asked to donate nonperishable food items in support of the Alpha Center Food Bank and the Holy Angels Soup Kitchen in Sidney. Event organizers suggest that participants donate enough food to feed a family of four. Suggested nonperishable items included canned meat, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and sauce, peanut butter, cereal and macaroni and cheese.

The Alpha Community Center is a private, nonprofit social service agency serving Sidney and Shelby County. Last year, over 8,000 pounds of food was donated to the food bank, as well as $3500.00 in monetary donation, to be used to restock the pantry when the food has been depleted.

T-shirts will once again be available the day of the event, and can also be ordered online at www.sidneyfirstpres.org. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales go directly to the food bank. In addition to donating food the morning of the event, food collection boxes are available at several locations in town. Northwood Elementary School, Whittier Elementary School and Christian Academy School are all collecting food, and well as a drop-off box at Culvers Restaurant.

To register for this noncompetitive event, visit www.sidneyfirstpres.org. By registering prior to Thanksgiving morning, participants will not be required to check in that day. For more information about the Thanksgiving Day 5K Run to End Hunger, contact Sarah Steenrod at [email protected] or call the church office at 937-492-4597 Monday-Thursday between 9 a.m. and noon.