The Annual Turkey Trot fun run/walk returns to downtown Vashon at 9 a.m., on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28, in the parking lot next to Recess Lab and Voice of Vashon, 17641 Vashon Highway SW.

The short 2.5-mile fun run/walk — with music, hot cider, camaraderie and joie de vivre — is free and also open to furry friends and strollers. A map of the course will be available at the event.

This year’s Turkey Trot is a fundraiser for Vashon XC, the booster club for youth cross country on the island, and the Food Bank, so please bring a food item that is non-perishable. To find out which specific food items would be best, go to vashonfoodbank.org. Past Turkey Trots and Jingle Bell Runs have raised hundreds of dollars and contributed hundreds of pounds to the local food bank over the years.

If you have any money you can spare, please bring it and put it in the pickle jar to help Vashon XC.

— Bruce Cyra is the McMurray Middle School Cross Country Coach