An inaugural Gingerbread Run 5k is set for Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. in Charlotte Court House.

This event is sponsored by the Girls Just Wanna Run 21st Century Club, with all proceeds to help Bacon District Elementary School’s 21st Century Program.

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 previously.

“The route will now run through the CH (Court House),” said Jones referring to the Town of Charlotte Court House. “I am coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office. We will begin and end the race at the Presbyterian Church on Legrande Avenue.”

She said the event is open to all ages and children under 4 can participate in the event for free and children 5-12 are $10. They will also receive a medal and a goodie bag for their participation.

All runners will receive a shirt.

Adults can participate for $30 on the day of the race.

In addition, Jones is encouraging participants to dress up as their best Gingerbread man.

“We will offer $25 gift cards to the best dressed adult and child participant,” said Jones. “We really want people to dress up for the race.”

A press release from the VDOE said 29 grants in total were awarded across the Commonwealth of Virginia and will fund community learning centers to provide opportunities in the academic field, enrichments and opportunity.

“The competitive grants can range from $50,000 to $200,000 and will allow 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. “VDOE also is continuing to fund 83 programs that received initial grants in 2016 and 2017. The centers will operate before and after school, during school breaks, Saturdays and during summer vacation.”

Jones previously said 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 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.

The partnerships help provide programs for parents and students in the community.

“Parents will be offered the opportunity to get CPR certified, get their GED, and will be able to attend financial literacy programs, literacy programs, healthy eating and active lifestyle training, drug, violence and truancy prevention,” said Jones previously.

The VDOE release said each recipient was encouraged to involve community organizations, as well as parents when creating the programs.

For more information, contact Duffie Jones at jonesmd@ccps.k12.va.us.