SAN BENITO — La Posada Providencia is asking everyone to gobble and waddle for a good cause this Saturday.
Registration is under way for the shelter’s first 5K fun run/walk to help support La Posada Providencia’s operations.
Like most nonprofits, La Posada’s bulk of funding comes from events like these.
This year, shelter officials budgeted for an extra $20,000 and are trying to meet that goal through various fundraising activities.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the operation of the shelter, keeping the lights and the water running, said La Posada Development Coordinator Alma Rock.
Trophies will be given out to the top runner in each division.
Runners and walkers are urged to wear turkey costumes since prizes will be awarded for best costumes.
Shelter staff will be wearing turkey hats.
Staff received gift cards that were used to purchase three turkeys, which will be offered up in a drawing. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 200 registrants.
La Posada Providencia, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, is a ministry for people in crisis from around the world, who are seeking legal refuge in this country.
The shelter staff provides a safe and welcoming home, mentors to promote self-sufficiency and cultural integration, and imparts values “which witness God’s Providence in our world.”
“La Posada never stops working for the benefit of the hundreds of men, women and children who come through our doors every year,” Rock said.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our services and infrastructure. We never know when an influx in clients will occur, so we must always be prepared to serve.”
La Posada grows in numbers every year. “Every year we serve more people and grow so much,” said Rock.
Just this summer, the shelter provided services to 199 people from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Rock said La Posada is well on its way to doubling the number of people served from the previous year.
All of the shelter’s clients are referred by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement or local immigration attorneys.
They are in the legal process of seeking asylum, residency or some other legal alternative.
While they wait for their cases to advance through the court system, most of these individuals have no place to go and arrive at La Posada’s doorstep with nothing.
Staff members ensure they receive the necessary legal aid, health care, social services and other relocation assistance.
