5K walk planned in Dumfries Sept. 19 to help the poor

People are struggling in Prince William County.

And in an effort to assist residents in need, the St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of Angels conference – a Catholic charitable organization – is hosting a ‘Walk for the Poor 5K’ race.

The race will be on September 19 at 8 a.m., starting in the parking lot of Saint John Paul the Great High School at 17700 Dominican Drive in Dumfries.

“It’s more a walk of awareness – it’s not so much a race. It’s not going to be a timed event,” said race organizer, Martha Larimore.

According to Larimore there is no fee to register for the 5K, but they are asking that everyone bring canned food donations, and make at least a $25 donation. The money is being used to assist residence in their coverage area – primarily Woodbridge, Dumfries and Triangle.

“We’re just trying to raise funds for the St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of Angels conference. We assist the poor in the community with food, utilities help, sometimes prescriptions, small bills,” said Larimore.

Larimore noted that while they are a Catholic organization, residents from any faith can seek their assistance.

“Believe it or not, in Prince William County, we have many people that are struggling. Rent’s really high, groceries are really high. We have a lot of people that come in and need help, and our funding is really low right now, and we’re really just trying to help as many people as we can,” said Larimore.

Registration is available online, and the morning of the race.