Who We Are:
Parents for Centralia Cross Country is a Non-Profit organization that was formed in 2002. We raise funds to support the needs of the Centralia Cross Country teams and promote sportsmanship throughout the 2-A Evergreen Conference. This year is the 6th Annual Matchmaker 5K Run, which expanded to include a Walk in 2005. The Matchmaker 5K Run/Walk is our major fund-raiser for the year. This year we are having a food drive along with the Run and Walk; read about the details below.
The Walk/Food Drive:
The walk was added in 2005 to get more people to participate in this event and provide a healthy avenue of participation for those that would like to contribute to a worthwhile charity. In the past we have supported the American Red Cross, The Conservation Fund and local food banks with the Walk. Last year TransAlta, our areas largest employer suddenly closed their coal mining operation eliminating 600 well paying jobs. This year it is the December flood that has devestated the local area so we are again including a Food Drive with the Matchmaker and we strongly encourage Runners and Walkers to bring non-perishable items we can donate to families in need. We will be targeting running families affected by the flood in Centralia, Chehalis and the surrounding area. Whatever you can do will be much appreciated!
Why the Food Drive?
Red Cross assists communities after severe winter weather
Written by Katie Lawson , Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Thursday, January 18, 2007 — After a severe winter storm blasted parts of the United States earlier this week, temperatures continue to drop and many are still without power in several states from the Heartland to the Midwest. In response to the storm front that brought ice, snow, high winds, freezing rain and even some flooding to states from Texas to Maine, the American Red Cross has been busy opening shelters and distributing food to weary residents in affected areas.
Oklahomans received the brunt of the storm with the McAlester and Muskogee areas among the hardest hit. The storm prompted Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry to issue a state of emergency for all 77 counties in the state and President Bush has approved an emergency presidential disaster declaration. Several Red Cross chapters throughout Oklahoma have joined together to open 32 shelters, and 17 mobile feeding units will serve meals and snacks in affected areas.
In the Tulsa, Okla., area, the Red Cross has opened 13 shelters and is supporting another five community-operated shelters. A feeding site also has been serving residents of Pittsburg County who are without power. Two Southern Baptist Men’s Disaster Kitchens, which are capable of producing between 10,000 and 25,000 meals per day, were set-up and cooking by noon on Wednesday near McAlester and Muskogee.
While the Texas Gulf Coast and Houston area were initially coated with ice, widespread flooding also became a problem throughout the weekend. Red Cross chapters in the Southwest opened two shelters that have since closed their doors. Another round of ice and snow hit central Texas Wednesday morning as well, closing schools and roads throughout the state.
In Missouri, the cold weather continues, and tens of thousands are still without power with outages possible through the end of the week. Many of those without power turned to the Red Cross for shelter. Eight Red Cross shelters remain open in central Missouri where more than 2,000 overnight guests were welcomed. In addition, two Red Cross supported shelters remain open in the area.
Over the past few days, the local Midwest chapters have served nearly 2,800 meals and more than 7,700 snacks to shelter guests. As of last night, there are 12 Red Cross emergency response vehicles providing mobile feeding in Missouri to residents who are braving their dark, frigid homes.
Red Cross volunteers continue to provide food and shelter to those affected by severe winter weather across the country. Chapters in Arkansas, Illinois, New Hampshire and New York also have opened shelters as a result of the severe winter weather.
To learn more about disaster preparedness and safety including winter storm safety, visit the "Get Prepared" section of Redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter.