Immokalee 5K race helps supply students with backpacks and more

It will look like Christmas in the middle of summer during an upcoming event. It’s for people in need who will attend an annual Immokalee giveaway.

Lipman Family Farms will host its fifth annual Lipman’s 5K Run for Backpacks in May, raising money to provide hundreds of backpacks, bicycles and haircuts for local families in need.

“I’m able to help while I’m running,” said 14-year-old Bernardo Barnharrt.

Barnhart loves being a part of the Lipman’s 5K because of his future goals.

“Get good grades in school and hopefully run in the Olympics,” Barnhart said.

Barnhart said this particular race helps others toward their future, since it raises money for students who need help obtaining valuable resources.

“Kids getting the supplies they need for school,” said Jamie Weisinger, with Lipman Family Farms.

Barnhart personally saw his own peers go without necessary tools when they went to class at a young age.

“When I used to go to elementary school here in Immokalee, some kids didn’t have enough supplies for what they need for school,” Barnhart said.

Weisinger is proud to see the annual event continue to grow since starting the backpack drive.

“Last year, we gave out over 1,500 [backpacks],” Weisinger said.

Weisinger said the fundraiser does not limit the outreach to only kids in the area of the event but outside the area too.

“A lot of kids aren’t as fortunate to have the supplies, so this backpack giveaway always [allows] people to be on the same playing field,” Barnhart said.

The Lipman’s 5K will also be coordinated by Active. Visit its race page for details. The event is scheduled to be hosted at Immokalee High School Saturday, May 11.

“It’s very important because they’re gonna need it to help them succeed in school and maybe go further in life,” Barnhart said.