Annual Turkey Trot brings in big bucks, food donations, for local pantry

By Patrick Lynn

Thanksgiving morning 2021 was a chilly affair, with temperatures in the mid-20’s and a formidable wind. But that didn’t stop over 700 people from participating in the 2021 Stevens Point Community Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run and Food Drive.

The event raised $1,911 in cash donations and 1,150 pounds of food for the InterFaith Food Pantry and the Mobile Pantry, 2810 Post Rd., Plover, which serves residents of Portage Co.

Laura Zelenak, Turkey Trot coordinator, said she couldn’t have done it without her team: Annie Wetter, Suzanne Oehlke, Joe Kotlowski, Jeanna and Tommy Trzebiatowski, and Kate Giblin.

“I want to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those that [sic] came to the event, participated online, and made donations,” she said. “We are always so grateful to our sponsors and participants; they make the event really special.”

The annual event offers a fun and simple way to be active while supporting local food pantries. The event is non-competitive and family-friendly with an entry “fee” of a non-perishable food item or online food donation.

Community sponsors Delta Dental, Mada Custom Apparel, Starbucks Coffee, TDS Telecom, and Mancheski, Slaton, Skibicki, associates with First Weber Stevens Point, and other local businesses, provided hot coffee, prizes for online participants, and music.

The Turkey Trot is held annually by Portage County Can, a local coalition that builds networks and resources to foster active living and healthy eating behaviors in Portage Co.