Unusual 5K run set to collect clothing for area foster homes

KALAMAZOO—People are asked to bundle up, then take it—almost—all off for charity during Western Michigan University's first 5K Strip Run, set for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

For the event, registered participants run or walk through a beautiful 3.1-mile course on WMU's campus. Along the way, they remove five articles of new or gently used clothing and donate the needed goods at stations set up around the course.

The event will start as well as finish at the Student Recreation Center, and participants are required to wear a shirt and shorts at all times. Those who wish to donate without joining the Strip Run may drop off items at the start/finish line.

An information and registration night will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in Room 204 of the Bernhard Center. Participants also may register from 1 to 2 p.m. the day of the event in the Student Recreation Center's indoor tennis court area.

The Strip Run seeks to collect clothing for the Kalamazoo County Department of Human Services' closet program, which offers clothing free of charge to foster youth.

The event is being sponsored by WMU's Residence Life office and being coordinated by students and staff members in the University's Harrison/Stinson Residence Hall.

"We wanted to do something original and interactive to bring in donations as well as to promote wellness," says Jasen Herrera, assistant director of Harrison/Stinson Hall.

For more information, contact, Jasen Herrera at rl-hs-assthalldir@wmich.edu or (269) 387-6684.