Community Gets Active To Help Kids at CPS

When you hear "CPS," the first thing that comes to mind is probably negative. What most people don't think about are the people behind these CPS cases; the people who care, volunteer, and come together to make sure that these children have the things they need while in the care of CPS. Here in El Paso, many people have not even heard of Community Partners of El Paso, and our biggest project, "The Rainbow Room," which provides CPS caseworkers with items they need for these kids like emergency bags, clothing, diapers, toiletries, school supplies, and more.

Recently, Community Partners of El Paso teamed up with LaceUp El Paso and CPS for their 5K To Fill The Room. It involved a 5K run, 1 mile fun walk, kids dash, vendors, raffles, and more!

Glow Run Club kicked off the event with the warmup, followed by a welcome and thank yous from Community Partners board member Amber Banda from iHeart, followed by a speech from CPS's Victoria Colon, then Amber Banda sang the national anthem, then race director Carmelo Morales from Lace Up El Paso directed everyone to the starting line.

The 5K kicked off at 8am followed by the 1-mile walkers! It took 17 minutes and 4 seconds for the 1st runner, Adrian Herrera, to pass the finish line. The kids dash started at 9am, where participating children received a blue pinwheel, which is the symbol for child abuse prevention and awareness.

The awards followed after while participants enjoyed some postrace snacks and rehydrated. Pictures of all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are posted on the Lace Up El Paso and Community Partners of El Paso Instagrams, including winners for largest participating run groups and our raffle prize winner of the big TV!

Thank you to everyone that supported and helped this event! Your participation means more than you realize in helping to take a stand against child abuse.