Chattanooga Echelon's Run with Reason, presented by HHM CPAs, is an annual run and shopping event to raise money for less fortunate families who are designated recipients of the Chattanooga Salvation Army’s Angel Tree campaign. The run will take place Saturday at 9 a.m. at Redoubt Soccer Facility, and shopping will take place Dec. 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the Signal Mountain Walmart Supercenter.
“Because of COVID-19, unemployment and tornado damages, the need this year is far greater than it's ever been,” said Kyle Briner, event founder and Echelon board member.
Run with Reason volunteers hope to support more families than in years past to help reach the heightened need and ease the burden of Christmas gifts for many. Volunteers will run, backed by sponsors who donated a specific amount per mile, on Saturday. Then, on Dec. 4, volunteers in festive clothing will cruise the aisles at Walmart searching for gifts to fulfill Christmas wish lists. Daniel Casillas, Signal Mountain Walmart manager and former Angel Tree Program recipient, has partnered with the cause to provide a separate check-out lane for the volunteers to utilize.
“Growing up, on Christmas I always got more than I deserved, but that is not the case for many families here in our community,” says Mr. Briner.
Since 2018, the event has raised $22,700 to support over 130 Angel Tree recipients and provide Christmas dinner to families in need in the community.
To contribute to Run with Reason efforts, visit csarmy.org/runwithreason.