Some Dallas County residents give monetary donations to make the holidays better for poverty-stricken families. Others prefer to run 15 miles.

Members of New Shady Grove Ministry will be running 15 miles on Oct. 19 to raise money for an open-kitchen event on Thanksgiving.

The run begins at 7 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 80 and Alabama 41 between Craig Field Airport and Industrial Park and Selmont, the location of the ministry’s future building. The ministry’s fall festival will follow the run.

Because the event is open to the public, ministry member Evelyn Scott said organizers also kept in mind Dallas County residents that may not have been running every day. The fundraiser will also include two different 5 km walks.

“Those people that might not be early risers or haven’t been training will still have a chance to help,” Scott said. “You can either run the whole fifteen or just walk 5 km. Anyone that wants to come out is invited.”

She said the event would raise money through business partnerships and donations. All participants are asked to give a $20 donation. Scott says she is setting a lofty fundraising goal of $30,000.

All proceeds will go to the ministry’s open-kitchen event will at the Carl C Morgan Convention Center on Thanksgiving Day and provide free meals to the poor and underprivileged.

Regardless of personal finances, Scott said her mother and grandmother always taught her to give back.

“No matter how blessed you are, it’s important to help in some way,” she said. “Food is something that every human being should have.”

Scott said menu items would include typical Thanksgiving Day treats, such as turkey, dressing, and greens.

Though she is excited about the fundraising event, Scott said she is anxious about the run.

“I have definitely been training for it,” she said. “I even try to hit the gym when I’m out of town.”