The student organizers of the Winter Wonder Run are hoping for good weather and expecting a good turnout, as they host the benefit 5K run-walk on Saturday.

The event begins at 9:00 a.m. in front of Knoxville High School; proceeds will go to support Helping Hands as they provide meals and Christmas gifts for the holiday season.

This will be the second year for this run, which last year was known as the New Year’s Resolution Run; cold weather forced its postponement then, but temperatures in the 30’s are being predicted this time around.

The students behind this effort have previously taken part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and were sponsored by the Knoxville Rotary Club; this inspired them to do projects aimed at supporting organizations which help others in the community.

Caroline Woodle is among those organizing the run; she tells KNIA/KRLS News that Helping Hands seemed a natural choice for the type of organization they would want to help out during the holiday season.

“Helping Hands is such a pillar in our community, and it helps tons of people all over Knoxville…personally, for me, I’ve worked with it through dance team and so I really got to know the people there,” Caroline says. “That’s who they donated to last year when it was the New Year’s Resolution Run, and we each wanted to continue to support them because of all the great work they do in the community.”

Their goal is to raise $2,000 for Helping Hands; participants may register in advance or on site, and may choose whether to run or walk the course.

For more on the Winter Wonder Run, tune in to In Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard today on AM 1320/FM 94.3/FM 95.3 KNIA.