BARNESVILLE — Santa’s Spirit Sprint organizers are working to collect donations to provide local children in need with Christmas gifts.

The race is held each year in early December in order to help raise funds that are then used to purchase clothing and toys from the holiday wish lists of local children. Carl Kondrach, director of the Santa’s Spirit Sprint, said they typically help 15-24 less fortunate children throughout Belmont County.

“It’s really gratifying. The whole purpose of the event is to help out and give back to the community,” he said. “… It really puts Barnesville on the map, as far as racing, and it makes perfect sense for the money to help out those in need. It’s a win-win all around.”

Kondrach said organizers usually spend around $200 per child for gifts, which include essential items like hats, gloves, coats and also toys, games, art supplies, books and more. Kondrach, his wife, Jessica; and daughters, Sydni and Gabbi, aid in the efforts, helping to purchase and deliver gifts.

He said donations have declined this year, which he understands as the COVID pandemic has impacted many local businesses.

“Businesses have been hit hard by COVID. Barnesville is such a giving community, and it’s tough for every business to give to every charitable event, which are all worthwhile,” he said. “We’ve had a slow response, which is understandable, so we’re just trying to get the word out to as many people and places as we can.”

Although there is not a specific goal this year, Kondrach said organizers hope to be able to purchase as many gifts as possible for children. More than $5,000 was raised during last year’s event, helping to provide 22 kids with gifts.

“We try to fill as much of each child’s Christmas wish list as possible,” he said. “We do our very best to make sure each kid isn’t just getting one or two things; each kid gets a box of gifts from their list.”

This year marks the 13th year for the annual race, which is among the activities planned for Christmas in the Village. More than 100 people are expected to participate in this year’s race, Kondrach said. Participants don Christmas costumes, bells and glow sticks while walking or running in the 1-mile race. It is a family oriented event, he said.

Afterward, everyone in attendance is invited to hang out and enjoy hot cocoa, food and homemade cookies as awards, which Kondrach handcrafts himself, are presented. Attendees are then welcome to enjoy the Barnesville Christmas Parade, which will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The race will begin at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 inside the Ferrum Fit Gym, one of the event’s main sponsors, located at 440 Watt Ave. Anyone wishing to donate money, gift cards or gifts can send them to 808 N. Chestnut St., Barnesville. For more information, call 740-310-2117 or 740-238-1833.

Kondrach said the gifts will be delivered to each family around a week prior to Christmas so parents or guardians can wrap the items and place them under the tree.