The City of Gary will be marking the holiday season with opportunities to give to those in need and to shop for goodies from local vendors.
“This is the season when we think of others and their needs, and we are excited to have a number of events in the City of Gary that will allow us to do just that,” said Freeman-Wilson. “The partnerships we have forged will once again help us to perform acts of kindness to many of Gary’s youth who are in need.”
Trot for Toys 5K Run/Walk
On Saturday December 20, the 2nd Annual Trot for Toys 5K Walk/Run will take place at Marquette Park (1 N. Grand Blvd.) at 12 noon. There is no cost to enter. Participants are instead asked to donate a new toy valued at $10 or more. The toys will be donated to the toy giveaway “Toys for Kids Santa Forgot,” which takes place the Saturday after Christmas at the Genesis Convention Center and is hosted by the family of the late Mayor Rudy Clay.
Registration begins at 10:30a.m. To register for the 5K, visit http://cause2compete.com/toys-for-tots-trot. Each participant will receive a collector’s t-shirt from one of the previous races from around the region (while supplies last). Parking will be available in the main beach parking lot for $5. For more information about the race, call Tom Taylor at (219) 395-4503.
For those who would like to donate toys to this cause, drop-off locations are listed below:
Gary City Hall, 401 Broadway
City Hall Annex, 839 Broadway
Marquette Park Pavilion, 1 N. Grand Blvd.
Hudson & Campbell Fitness Center, 455 Massachusetts St.
Holiday Bazaar
Also on Saturday, Dec. 20 beginning at 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m., there will be Family Fun Day Holiday Bazaar at Marquette Park Pavilion (1 N. Grand Blvd.) complete with vendors, holiday music, photos with Santa, food and more. Admission is free, and the first 25 shoppers will receive a free gift bag. Individuals who are interested in becoming a vendor should call (219) 455-9725.