With the holiday season right around the corner, one organization on campus is feeling particularly festive. The ROTC program is hosting Rudolph’s Ruck & Toy Drive this December! On Saturday, December 3rd, the Army ROTC Battalion, the “Paladin Battalion,'' will be kicking off the holiday season at 8:30 a.m. in true Army fashion, with a workout and service to others.
This is the first year the ROTC program is hosting this type of event. Rudolph’s Ruck & Toy Drive is a hybrid of a workout and a toy drive. All donated toys will be delivered to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. This event will bring together the Furman and larger, local community to do a little good and have a little fun along the way. While this event has multiple areas of focus there are three main goals that shine through. First and foremost, the main goal is to collect toys for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Secondary goals include strengthening the Furman community and relationships while hosting a fun holiday event.
Rudolph’s Ruck and Toy Drive was masterminded by Cadet Mary Spangler (‘23) who is currently serving as the Battalion Cadet First Sergeant. Mary has been working hard with the Battalion Cadre and local organizations to plan and execute this event.
All participants are asked to bring a toy to donate in lieu of an entrance fee. While members of the program may be wearing 35 pound rucks—the large backpacks used by the U.S. Army—they are not required to attend. Participants can choose to wear a backpack or forgo it. The event can be done in two ways: a 3 mile ruck/run (5k) or a 6 mile ruck/run (10k) and upon registration, participants may choose their desired length. Along the way, you may even get to meet Santa! There will also be hot chocolate, cookies, holiday games, and a photo-booth. The event will take place both on campus and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It will begin and end at the round-about where the Swamp Rabbit Trail meets campus by the Furman Lake. This event is open to everyone and the Paladin Battalion encourages families, friends and exercise enthusiasts to come join them and celebrate.
This event is guaranteed to put anyone in a festive mood and will allow Prisma Health Children’s Hospital to supply their young patients with toys for the holidays. Please come join the Paladin Battalion in kicking off the holiday season!