Lace up your sneakers for a fun morning that will uplift your neighbors in need.

Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to join the second annual Help Thy Neighbor Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Landisville Middle School, 340 Mumma Drive. The event will begin with registration and packet pickup at 8:30 a.m., followed by a kids' bubble run/walk at 9 a.m. and a 5K run/walk at 9:15 a.m.

Hempfield School District social workers Jason Lindsley and Bridget Martin coordinate the fun run, which is open to district staff, students and families, as well as members of the community. Proceeds benefit the Help Thy Neighbor Fund, a compassionate initiative established to provide timely, confidential financial assistance to district families who are facing economic hardship.

"The Help Thy Neighbor Fund is designed to be something that those in our community can rely on for support," Lindsley said. "Seeing members of our community come together to support one another is one of the most powerful things about this event."

Rooted in the spirit of community support and kindness, the Help Thy Neighbor Fund uplifts students and their families in times of need. It serves as a vital resource for a wide range of support services that help to bridge the gap for families who are struggling with food insecurity, unable to afford basic necessities or in need of help covering essential costs.

The fund, which is supported by generous donations, dress-down days for school faculty and community partnerships, has helped more than 50 district families so far this year, Lindsley said. Proceeds from the fun run will enable the fund to impact the lives of many more families.

"Being able to lean on those in the community helps to strengthen bonds between one another," he said. "Ultimately this event proves that the power of community support can change lives."

The Help Thy Neighbor Fun Run will be held rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to run or walk at their own pace, and jogging strollers and families are welcome. To register online in advance, visit https://tinyurl.com/help-thy-neighbor. In-person registration also will be available by cash or check on the day of the event.

Volunteers are needed beginning at 7:45 a.m. to assist with the fun run registration tables, kids' bubble run and event cleanup. Volunteers are asked to register at https://tinyurl.com/2nrnhjmm by Friday, Oct. 16.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community, and the funds raised will make a meaningful difference for our students and families," Martin said.

For more information or questions about the Help Thy Neighbor Fund or the fun run, community members may contact Jason Lindsley, Jason_lindsley@hempfieldsd.org, or Bridget Martin, Bridget_martin@hempfieldsd.org.

Residents, local businesses and community organizations may support the fund through checks made payable to Hempfield School District with "HTN Fun Run" in the memo line. Checks may be mailed or delivered to the Hempfield School District Administration Building, 200 Church St., Landisville.