West Philly Runners: Holiday Giving to PEC thru Local 44 & Run Update for November 28

Some pretext for this week's run to Local 44 Bottle Shop

Coming off this long weekend that is simultaneously about celebrating the things that we are grateful for and shopping like maniacs, this feels like a great time to talk about an opportunity for giving to those less fortunate who may have less to be grateful for and are certainty doing a lot less shopping. The People's Emergency Center is collecting donations of non-perishable food, toys, clothing and personal care items. The PEC writes,

"When mothers and their children arrive at PEC's Emergency Shelter in crisis, they are worried, and focused on finding food, shelter, and a safe place to live. Most of the women, children, and teen girls we service arrive at PEC with limited supply of clothing and personal care items. They are probably the last things on their minds, that is why upon arrival at PEC we'd like to provide every family with a welcome package."

Click for a list of personal care items that PEC is in special need of this season. Local 44 is collecting donations on behalf of PEC through December 17th. We'll be running there this week so this is a great time to bring a donation if you have something to give. Feel free to drop stuff off at Local 44 before the run or I can collect donations outside Fiume at the start of the run.

Another note about the run, I routed us straight up 40th street, because there is another new bridge that opened with much less fanfare, the 40th street CSX crossing between Belmont and Parkside neighborhoods. This bridge is a great thoroughfare straight into West Fairmount Park and deserves a celebratory run.

Upcoming Events

Marcel and Michael's Hosting. December 12. M&M will be hosting during Hanukkah (חנוכה), so expect candle lighting and a distinct lack of bread. As always, hosts love when you bring snacks and beverages (let Marcel, Michael or me know if you want to bring something). They live at the 500 N block of Budd St.

Lenape Survival Challenge. April 27. I am announcing this race MUCH too early, because my dream is to bring a bunch of WPR teams to compete and (hopefully) win this. The Lenape Survival Challenge is a 5+ mile run followed by 2.5 mile canoe segment. You participate with a partner in teams of 2. If we get at least three teams of 2 together, we can form a tribe and compete against the reigning champions, Lockheed Martin. I believe in WPR being more bad ass than any Lockheed Martin shmoes from the burbs and so I have made it my mission to bring a big team out there and give them a real run for their money :)

Oddyssey Half Marathon. June 9. Basically the most fun road half marathon you'll ever do and if we get a team of 20 we'll have a personal beer tent at the finish line! All the details in the FB event. Follow the registration instructions (choose Alon Abramson as the Ambassador that you heard about the race from) and we'll get that beer tent!