Vehicles ranged from a Lamborghini to a Trident spray rig in the ceremony that served to kick off Oak Grove’s 19th annual Jingle Jog, featuring 36 parade entries on the elementary school campus.
An estimated 2,700 non-perishable food items were collected for the Bread Shed in tandem with Northside Nutrition Center on Friday, Dec. 15, as students merged exercise and goal-setting with philanthropy in the one-of-a-kind event.
“It’s a way to combine community service with physical fitness, serving Christmas cheer and a whole lot of fun and joy in one event,” explained Kristie Robinson, Oak Grove principal. “It’s kind of an outreach between teachers, community members, businesses and our families.”
Each student donates a canned good per anticipated lap completed around the parking lot within five minutes. The Bread Shed has been the chosen organization for the past several years since the faith-based food pantry supports the families of so many students, according to Robinson.
The event opened with a Christmas-themed parade featuring student groups across the district, partnering organizations, government agencies and law enforcement, farm animals, and a surprise entrance from Santa himself, this time on a trike motorcycle pulling a Chevy Camaro sleigh. Returning volunteer Randy Bailey of River Radio served as the emcee.
Jingle Jog was established during the 2005/06 school year by Robinson’s predecessor Jenifer Richardson, and continues to grow through staff connections and community members reaching out directly to participate based on its long-standing reputation.
###
Cutline: Jasper Bennett (left) and Easton Hampton of the first grade work to finish their laps around the parking lot.