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Community Corner

Inaugural Tucker 5K Challenge To Be Held Sept. 17

Here's a chance to run or walk a 5K in your own backyard, and support a local food pantry at the same time.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church (MMBC), located at 1983 Brockett Road, invites Tucker residents, their friends and families to participate in the inaugural Tucker 5K Challenge Run/Walk. The race will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 with a start time of 8 a.m.

According to race volunteer Alvin Albert, the impetus for MMBC coordinating and hosting a 5K race came from within. “The idea of the race was from a group of [church] members that do 5ks once or twice a month. They thought it would be a great idea to bring to the Tucker community and the church. They’re not runners. They’re not athletes. They are just middle aged folks that found a great way to stay in shape,” Albert said. “They walk and have conversations and talk the whole way, so it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors and fresh air.”

Proceeds from the race will go toward developing and expanding of the Food Pantry in The Potter’s House, a part of the MMBC’s Care Ministry. The Potter’s House consists of several outreach programs in addition to the Food Pantry, including the Jail/Prison Ministry, the Recovery Ministry and the Homeless Ministry.

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“Our goal is to not only be able to provide food for people that are members of our church family, but also people who are members of the immediate Tucker community,” said MMBC Care Ministry Director Minister Joe Rhodes. “Our goal is to meet those needs, not only with the physical food, but also spiritual food.“

MMBC volunteer Carolyn Shumate agreed, saying that the church wants to “minister to a person physically, spiritually, and mentally.” Shumate noted The Potter’s House offered several opportunities for community members interested in volunteering. “There are ways to help us make sure we can meet the needs [of clients], certainly monetarily, and as we’re growing, having people come and actually serve, and talk to those people who are coming.” There is a need for licensed counselors to volunteer, as well as telephone volunteers “who can just call people. People who don’t mind picking up the phone and calling to check in on people.”

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Min. Rhodes noted that people with masonry and/or plumbing skills would also be needed as the plans move forward with renovating The Potter’s House facilities.

MMBC is accepting donations of non-perishable food for the Food Pantry. “Our biggest needs are for canned meats like canned hams, SPAM and some larger cans of chicken and Vienna sausages,” Min. Rhodes explained.  The Potter’s House Food Pantry is open on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Registration for the Tucker 5K Challenge is $20 through Sept. 9, and $30 from Sept. 10 through race day. All registered participants receive a 100% cotton t-shirt, race number, and goodie bag. Register online at Active.com, in person at Big Peach Running Company, or at MMBC until 7:30am on the morning of the race. Pre-registered participants can pick up their race packet at Mount Moriah starting on Thursday, Sept. 15.

The Tucker 5K Challenge covers 3.1 miles in and around the Mount Moriah campus. “The course goes through the residential neighborhoods of Tucker right there near the church. It’s a very shady, easy course,” Albert said.  Though the church is expecting between 150 and 200 participants in the race, Albert reiterated that there’s room for everyone. “The more the merrier!” Albert said. “Everyone is welcome.”

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