Nearly 2000 girls will run toward the finish line during this year’s Girls on the Run 5k, and blood donors are encouraged to play a role in helping them get there. In fact, donors will be helping two community causes at once.

It takes community support to make sure every girl in Kent County who wants to be part of the 10-week GOTR program can do so, regardless of her family’s ability to pay. This year, Gazelle Sports is partnering with Michigan Blood to support the GOTR program, while also helping to boost the blood supply at local hospitals. On April 27^th, Gazelle Sports will host a blood drive on site at the Grand Rapids store on 28^th St. SE. For everyone who registers to donate blood, Michigan Blood will donate $10 to Girls on the Run.  The blood donors will receive a $10 gift card for Gazelle Sports.

The objective of Girls on the Run is to educate and empower girls at an early age in order to prevent the display of at-risk activities in the future. One of the many components of the GOTR program is to highlight the importance of community involvement, a value shared and encouraged by Gazelle Sports and Michigan Blood. In fact, the 140 GOTR teams in Kent County are each taking part in a community impact project this month. “We believe that the hands-on experience gives the girls a tangible understanding of the impact they can have in their community,” says Kent County GOTR Director Lori Burgess.  “We want our girls to feel empowered and to believe they can make a positive difference in the lives of others.” To support these and the many other efforts of GOTR, the public is invited to attend the upcoming blood drive:

Blood Drive to Support Kent County Girls on the Run
Saturday, April 27  •  10am-5pm
Gazelle Sports
3930 28^th Street SE, Grand Rapids

Note: Due to road construction, we suggest accessing Gazelle Sports from The East Beltline to 29^th Street East.