Norwich
“The Norwich Turkey Trot is a perfect way to start out Thanksgiving Day,” said Molly T. Turco, who organizes the event. “People look forward to it every year, and it’s a reminder that supporting one another is what makes small towns in the Upper Valley so special.”
The trot — a 4.4-mile run or 2-mile walk — started with just 10 runners in 2008, but it’s grown to more than 500 participants. It is free and no registration is required, but participants are asked to bring a donation of food or clothes to benefit the Haven, which provides support to area residents struggling with poverty. This year, Thanksgiving is on Nov. 22.
“People are drawn to this trot because it’s very low-key,” Turco said. “It gives the community a chance to get their blood flowing, see familiar faces they perhaps haven’t seen in years, and most importantly raise money and donate food and clothes to our neighbors who have fallen on hard times.”
Last year, the event helped collect 1,000 pounds of nonperishable food items and $10,000 in donations for The Upper Valley Haven.
Ahead of the event, Turco is looking for volunteers to help publicize the run by hanging flyers at local stores, schools and other community locations. On Thanksgiving morning, volunteers are needed to help set up around 7:30 a.m. and to collect donations and guide runners when the trot begins at 9 a.m. After the event, volunteers are needed to help transport donations to the Haven. All volunteers will be finished before noon, well in time to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.
Turco said the trot is a perfect way to get the whole family volunteering together.
“Whether it’s handing out waters, directing trotters or loading up donations, there are plenty of jobs for kids and opportunities to teach lessons of volunteerism and community involvement,” she said.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Turco at 802-310-0422 or NorwichVTTurkeyTrot@gmail.com.