Donating money and cans to help feed the less fortunate this Thanksgiving, students and local residents participated in Cerritos College’s 15th Annual Turkey Trot in Falcon Square on Thursday, Nov. 15.

The event brought together 465 participants, which helped raise a total of $121.00 in cash and 562 cans of food were collected

All donations will go to the City of Norwalk’s Food Bank to help needy families in the Norwalk area for Thanksgiving.

The event was sponsored by the Cerritos College Health Department, Physical Education, Dance and Athletics Division, Student Health and Wellness Center, Pound by Pound Challenge and Staff Development.

Staff development assistant Deborah Thomas said, “Last year, we had 700 participants, collected 2,300 cans of food, and received $200. We are always trying to get more and increase the numbers every year. The City of Norwalk participants come and they will bring their truck and pick up the all food.”

Runners, walkers and strollers alike all participated in the trot while, at the Child Development Center, the event offered a fun-filled day for children with activities such as hula hoop, jump rope, and hopscotch.

The course for the trot was a 1.5 trek around campus, and it attracted trotters of all ages.

Sixty three year-old Cerritos College student Daivd Abel said, “I have been doing this for a long time. I like to walk so I will go to walk along the track.”

The event provided the Cerritos College trotters with the opportunity to incorporate fitness and fun into their holiday spirit of giving.

Physical therapy assistant major Claudia Lugo, who volunteered for the Turkey Trot, said, “It’s really good (because) it’s not a race. Some people can exercise and they can be healthy.”

Music major and first place (female student) runner Julia Plecnik said, “I wanted to help out with the donations and wanted to get my run over for today.”

The first place finishers were awarded with a $25 gift certificate for Outback Steakhouse which was donated by the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce.

Winners for this year’s Turkey Trot included the following:

• First place (male student): Joe Magana
• First place (female student): Julia Plecnik
• First place (male staff/faculty): Maurico Pedroza (IT)
• First place (female staff/faculty): Susan Leipere (SEM)

Cerritos College Health Education Department and Athletic Coordinator Ni Bueno said if there i someone in need of a Thanksgiving meal to contact her.