Annual Turkey Trot returns to Atascadero Lake Park Thanksgiving
Event supports North County homeless
– The El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) is inviting community members to join its sixth annual Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run at Atascadero Lake Park on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28. This event offers a chance to begin the holiday outdoors while supporting those facing homelessness in North County.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event, with a suggested donation of $20 per person. All proceeds will go directly to the shelter’s programs, which provide shelter, meals, and essential services aimed at helping individuals and families achieve stable housing. Participants of all ages are welcome.
The event includes a 5K race with prizes awarded to the first and second place finishers in the men’s, women’s, and under-18 categories. There will also be awards for best individual, group, and animal costumes in the Thanksgiving theme.
“Last year, over 1,000 participants joined us to trot, run, and walk, and we’re expecting an even bigger turnout this year,” said ECHO CEO Wendy Lewis. “The Turkey Trot is more than a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of community, kindness, and giving back. Every dollar raised will go directly to supporting families and individuals facing homelessness, and thanks to our generous community partners, every dollar donated will be doubled, helping ECHO’s impact go twice as far.”
The shelter encourages participants to make their donations online at www.echoshelter.org or on the day of the event. The organization also extends its gratitude to community sponsors who have pledged to double community donations, increasing the event’s impact.
In addition to the Turkey Trot, the shelter is currently seeking volunteers for the holiday season to assist across its campuses, providing meals, organizing donations, and supporting holiday events. To learn more or sign up for volunteering opportunities, visit www.echoshelter.org.
Since 2001, the shelter has worked to empower people in San Luis Obispo County by offering food, shelter, and supportive services. The organization operates a 60-bed shelter in Atascadero and a 70-bed shelter in Paso Robles, along with a daily community dinner program and shower facilities.
