Kristi and Shana Run for the Mission

Have you wondered how you can help families who had almost nothing and then recently lost their jobs?

During the COVID-19 quarantine, I've continued training for the yet-to-be-cancelled Broad Street Race and have reflected about the deep and pressing needs of the poor in Philly. I'd like to share a story with you below about my commitment to run the Broad Street, the importance of support during this time, and why my cousin and I are connecting our story to an organization called Helping Hand Rescue Mission, which is uniquely qualified to help in these times (or click right to donate now).  

Many of you have read my race stories, especially the one a few years ago where my cousin and I crossed paths as she was running the Broad Street 2017 (Story here: bit.ly/2rwA5r4 ). This year, Shana and I were planning to run the Broad Street for the first time together and we were really looking forward to it. I always have stories that come out of my experiences on race day but I’ll probably always think back to the story above as one of the highlights. It’s become a reminder to me of just how important it is to encourage one another to get back in the race of life - or to keep going.

Shana and I are family and we are lucky to have super supportive families when times are tough. In the past three years especially, I’ve come to realize that I’ve been fortunate in life and able to pull through difficult times largely because of the strength of my family unit. I often think about where and who I would be if I wasn’t born into such a favorable environment. This thought is part of what motivated me to start volunteering with an organization called Helping Hand Rescue Mission (website here:www.phillyhope.com). 

HHRM supports the Philly homeless with community meals and IDs (so they can get jobs) and they support disadvantaged kids through after-school programs. They help provide opportunities to people who are in deep need. When COVID-19 hit, HHRM was still there to do their part - making sure the families in the community had enough to eat. Today they are continuing to share meals and make non-perishable food deliveries to those with food insecurity.

For those who were already struggling financially, COVID-19 will compound an already dire situation.

I think you understand, so let me cut to the chase -- 

Shana and I know that God places people in our life for a reason - often to meet an unexpected need.
We might be running those 10 miles on our own this year - but will you help us raise support for Helping Hand Rescue Mission -- and for those who might be feeling alone, hopeless, and in need of a family? Help us send a hug to these sweet people and a message of encouragement that we are rooting for them. Please help be the support they so desperately need.

Call it a COVID-19 Challenge or call it a 2020 Challenge. Our goal is to raise as much as we can for HHRM during this increased time of need.  $1 for a plate of food. $20 to sponsor a grocery bag for a community family. $200 to sponsor a homeless Mission meal. Whatever the amount, Shana and I would love to see some multiplication miracles. Because that's the kind of race day story we want to share.

Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes. - Isaiah 58:10-12

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7