One of the most remarkable aspects of this time of year is the creative ways that community members come together to both celebrate the holiday season and build up the industries that do so much for so many.

Girls Just Wanna Run 21st Century Club has planned an imaginative and fun event to raise funds for Bacon District Elementary School’s 21st Century Program: the Gingerbread Run 5K, where participants are encouraged to jog or sprint for prizes, and to dress up as their best versions of Gingerbread people.

According to an article written by Community Editor Italia Gregory, Bacon-District Elementary School (BDES) previously received a 21st century grant from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

The school was only one of two schools in region 8 to receive the honor for the 2018-19 school year, said Bacon District Elementary School K-5 Math Specialist Duffie Jones.

The grant allows “school divisions, faith-based organizations and community groups to provide students with tutoring, enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs and literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children,” said the release from VDOE. “VDOE also is continuing to fund 83 programs that received initial grants in 2016 and 2017.”

The BDES program was granted $178,658 per year for a three year period, totaling $535,974.

At that time, she said through the program, the school has partnered with local organizations such as the Charlotte County Department of Social Services, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department, Drakes Farm and Home, Mecklenburg Electric, Charlotte County Public Schools Food Service Program, Southside Soil and Water Conservation District, Randolph-Henry High School and John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.

This event allows another way for the community to come together to support an institution that has such a meaningful impact on not only the future of our young people, but on the future of this community.

If you or your family is considering celebrating the holidays a little differently this year, put on your running shoes, craft a fun, do-it-yourself costume and embark on the Gingerbread 5K at Charlotte Court House.

Emily Hollingsworth is a staff reporter for The Charlotte Gazette and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@TheCharlotteGazette.com.