- February 7, 2025
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The Port Orange Running Rats have been doing more than just running this year.
The local group of runners has been taking in donations from each member when they run on Saturday mornings. The group collected $970 for two people in need, in addition to local organizations, including the Southeast Volusia Humane Society and Adopt a Family in the US Virgin Islands.
Running Rats member Rhonda Sherrer said the group will also be going to a nursing home on Saturday, Dec. 9, to sing carols and hand out small gifts. They are also saving some of the extra funds in case the group finds someone who is in need.
"It's not much, $175 or $200," Sherrer said. "But for somebody that's looking to feed their family or wondering how the next meal's going to be put on their table, it's huge."
Sherrer came up with the idea two years ago as a way to hold members of the running club accountable. Every time someone showed up, they gave $1. If they missed a run for no reason, then they had to give $5. The group, which consists of 15 to 18 members, had originally planned to use the extra money to treat themselves later in the year but eventually decided to help others instead.
Last year, the group raised around $600 that they gave to organizations, such as the Arni Foundation, and to individuals who had medical needs. The group also went to a nursing home.
"We decided it was so much fun, and we feel like we did so good with it to continue doing it again this year," Sherrer said. "It's turned out to be such a rewarding experience."
