WAYNE STUDENTS SPONSOR RUN TO BENEFIT VETERANS

WAYNE -- Aiding the country's military veterans is very much in focus this school year for students of George Washington Middle School as they participate in a program called Operation Giveback.

The yearlong effort, part of the school's Character Education Program, has arranged events including collection of Halloween candy to send to the troops and holding a Stars and Stripes 5k in November, with profits donated to the Semper Fi Fund and the annual Veteran's Day assembly.

The Stars and Stripes 5k will be held Nov. 5.

The Semper Fi Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post-9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the armed forces and their families. That will help ensure they have resources they need during their recoveries and transitions back to their communities, said Jack Leonard, the middle school's principal.

"They work to ensure that no one is left behind," he said.

The event will begin at the middle school, take participants through the Packanack Lake community and return to the school. Awards will be given out for the best time for identified age groups, student group competitions and one for the grade level with the most students attending.

Leonard noted that besides presenting an athletic event, the gathering will be a community happening. The Packanack Grill Club also will be on hand cooking and selling breakfast after the race.

To participate or make a donation, go to runsignup.com/Race/ NJ/Wayne/GWSTARSStripes5K. Once registered, participants can pick up race packets at the middle school from 3 to 6 p.m.Nov. 4 and from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. the day of the race.

Other future events in the program will include sending holiday care packages and letters to soldiers, more donations to the Semper Fi Fund, service dog awareness and the planting of a patriot-themed garden in the school courtyard.

Email: wintersd@northjersey.com