Community CARES is a nonprofit organization that provides help and resources to those experiencing housing insecurities. The Coldest Night of the Year walk is an annual fundraising event in support of local charities, raising money for those experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
Among those helping run the event was Sherry Collins, event coordinator for The Coldest Night of the Year and volunteer coordinator for Community CARES, who shared some thoughts about the meaning of the walk for the community.
“This event means a lot to me because we are bringing awareness to homelessness,” Collins said. “We aim to give people some hope, rest and reassurance in this really cold season.”
This is the first year the walk was held in Shippensburg, but it is also held in numerous other states, and towns in PA, including Carlisle. There were around 50 participants who walked the route and a dozen volunteers to help make sure the event ran smoothly
The walkers walked their one-quarter mile route along King, Queen and Burd streets downtown, with the volunteers cheering them on as they made their way to the finish line. Upon completing the walk, the volunteers led the walkers inside to enjoy a warm meal and converse with one another.
So far this year, The Coldest Night of the Year walk has raised over $5,000 in Shippensburg alone and Community CARES has been shown immense amounts of support from those involved in helping fund their cause.
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