Humanitarian Service Project Raises $1397.50 through the Human Race 5K

The DuPage Human Race Run/Walk is held every year by Giving DuPage in Wheaton. The Human Race is a 5k Run/Fitness Walk community event that brings people together in support of over 50 charity non-profit organizations serving DuPage County. In 2 years, the race has raised over $100,000 for local charities and had over 2,000 participants.

Back on April 26th 2014, 15 brave souls took on the challenge of completing the Human Race 5K while representing the Humanitarian Service Project (HSP). Both the weather and the results that day were beautiful. Recently, the DuPage based non-profit received $1347.50 raised by the runners and the those who sponsored them to provide relief to local seniors and children in need. $800 will be going towards sponsoring a senior in the senior Citizen Project (SCP), while the other $597.50 will be used to sponsor 11 children through the Children's Birthday Project (CBP).

HSP's Senior Citizen Project grants seniors life changing support by providing them with nutritious groceries each month. The money raised from the Human Race will sponsor 1 of the 123 needy seniors enrolled in this program. HSP does so by providing monthly deliveries of 100 lbs. of groceries to each senior in the program which include: selections of 7 fresh fruits and 8 vegetables, 7 frozen meats, 6 bags of non-perishable foods, at least three loaves of bread, and 2 bags of paper products (toilet paper, facial tissues and paper towels). Also, every three months, the needy seniors receive a box of personal care items with their delivery. Seniors in HSP's Senior Citizen Project also receive a monthly "Secret Pal" gift, gifts at Christmas time, and much needed household items on their "wishlist." The program provides the seniors the opportunity to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, in the face of the financial and health burdens they face.

The money raised will also support 11 of the 925 needy children enrolled in the Children's Birthday Project. CBP is a project which enables impoverished kids to have the birthday they deserve. CBP serves children ages 3-11 on their birthday by providing them with a birthday box weighing 20-25 pounds. This box includes toys, books, stuffed animals and party supplies to celebrate their special day.

Thanks to the help of the HSP 5K Runners and Giving DuPage, the lives of 12 more people are changed for the better. Every runner made a difference when they stepped foot on the Human Race track, and each step walked or ran gave hope to those in need.