FREEPORT

Not the late hour, tumbling temperatures, or bellies full of turkey are expected to deter participants from joining Freeport’s annual Moonlight Madness fundraising run or walk on Thanksgiving night.

Set to begin at 11:45 p.m., Nov. 27, runners and walkers will traverse a one-mile loop through downtown Freeport to raise funds for the Freeport Community Services’ Carol Kaplan Fuel Fund, which offers heating assistance to residents in need.

Hosted for the second year by the Freeport High School Interact Club and Olympia Sports, more than 100 participants are expected to register for the event, said Freeport High School Service Learning Coordinator Dede Bennell.

Headed by none other than Santa Claus, who will lead participants on his Harley- Davidson motorcycle, the event has been billed by some as a kickstarter to Black Friday shopping but Bennell said the emphasis is on donation, not consumption.

“We’re running to keep our neighbors warm,” said Bennell. “It was a wildly fun event last year, and a way for people who need a little help to get some heat in their house.”

Interact Club members have been working on “all aspects of the event,” said Bennell, including marketing the event, securing donations from local businesses, and will be helping with participant registrations.

Every participant that registers will receive a Tshirt and a goodie bag, said Bennell, the contents of which have been donated by local businesses.

“We’ve gotten coupons, chocolates, magnets, and we’re still getting items,” said Bennell, who added that nearly a dozen businesses have donated to the event. “Other businesses have given cash donations to help offset the cost for police presence.”

The top three winners in the event will receive prizes, said Bennell, though participants of all ages and abilities are welcome.

“Some people are competitive about it and they really want to run the course,” said Bennell, “but some people just consider it a spirited way to raise money and they walk with their families or bring their children.”

Freeport Community Services has worked with the Freeport High School Interact Club previously to raise money for the Carol Kapal Fuel Fund. In February, club members teamed up with Family Services Coordinator Sue Mack for the 24-hour Freeze Out fundraiser.

According to Freeport Community Services, they have experienced a nearly 15 percent increase in the number of people they provide services to in recent years.

The Carol Kaplan Fuel Fund was founded more than 10 years ago to assist families experiencing a heating emergency, or waiting for LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — benefits.

Interact is a Rotary International supported youth service club, with 50 members at Freeport High School. The club is coadvised by Bennell and Freeport High School guidance counselor Dana Clark.

Donations from businesses are being accepted until Friday. To make a donation, contact Dede Bennell at 865- 4706, extension 307.

Those interested in participating in the Moonlight Madness run or walk event can register online at www.runinarace.com. Participants can also register the night of the event from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Freeport Olympia Sports, located at 140 Main St.

rgargiulo@timesrecord.com

THOSE INTERESTED in participating in the Moonlight Madness run or walk event can register online at www.runinarace.com. Participants can also register the night of the event from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Freeport Olympia Sports.