EASTON — On Thanksgiving morning as turkeys were loaded into ovens and tables were set, people from Queen Anne County down to Chincoteague, Va. ran or walked in the YMCA Turkey Trot Charity 5-K which took place at seven different locations.

The Easton Family Y had 703 of those 1,535 participants. The money raised from this event will benefit those in the community that are living at or below the poverty level so that they can attend Y programs that keep them safe and engaged.

The Easton, Dorchester, Caroline, Queen Anne, Richard A. Henson, Lower Shore and Chincoteague Island YMCAs sponsored the 5-Ks to raise money for those in need in their communities. The Y serves thousands of children and families in the region and each year the demand for financial aid for Y programs grows.

And of course, the health benefits of exercise on Thanksgiving morning cannot be beat. There were serious runners, family teams, dogs, babies and costumes. This annual event promises to become a Thanksgiving tradition almost as good as the turkey, side dishes and pumpkin pie.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore of Maryland; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Across the Shore, Ys engage over 35,000 members; men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the shore’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

The organization is looking to add new members to its ranks. A statement on its website says, “With the Y, you’re not just a member of a facility; you’re part of a cause. With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and giving back and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.”

In 2016, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,226,000 in assistance to over 12,422 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. To learn more, visit the Y at www.ymcachesapeake.org.