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Some festive folks raising funds for a worthy cause will be walking and running their way through the Camellia City on December 12.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is holding its first Jingle for Jesus 5k in downtown Greenville that Saturday. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. and is designed for participants ages 10 and up.

Organizer Jami Barlow Sikes of the FCA says she could not be more excited to helm this fundraiser for the faith-based organization she loves, and right in her own hometown.

“It’s great to be back home in Greenville, where there is so much opportunity for campus ministry, even in our situation with COVID-19.”

Prior to moving back to her hometown, Sikes had been visiting schools in the area a few times a month, planting & growing what the FCA calls “huddles.”

“I had no idea the Lord was really preparing this area for an awesome campus ministry. I am humbled to be back in Butler County in a position to share the Gospel in schools all around this area,” Sikes said.

The 5K walk/run was birthed out of a vision to bring the community together through the platform of FCA, Sikes says.

“I have an incredible team of ladies helping me put it together. Our ministry is one hundred percent funded by the generosity of both individuals and churches who give in order to invest in this generation of kingdom builders, and it is their generosity that allows me to do the work God has called me to do,” Sikes explained.

“There are so many ways you can get involved in a ministry like this. We want the entire community to get a glimpse of how FCA is engaging, empowering and equipping students to share their faith in a time when our world really needs it most.”

Sikes stresses that you don’t have to be an athlete to participate in the Jingle 5k.

“Dress up in your favorite holiday attire and come out to support an amazing cause and cheer everyone on. We can all play a part,” Sikes said.

Anyone with questions, or who is interested in providing a sponsorship, is encouraged to contact Jami Sikes by email at jsikes@fca.org., or by phone at (251) 463-2883. Participants can register for the FCA Jingle for Jesus 5k at www.alabamafca.org/jingle-for-jesus. There are also registration