Commerce Bank Big Chill Steps off Saturday, Dec. 9

NEW BRUNSWICK/PISCATAWAY, N.J. The fourth annual Commerce Bank Big Chill, a 5K run/walk, steps off Saturday, Dec. 9, at the College Avenue Gym.

The Big Chill is a unique charitable event participants dont pay a registration fee or raise funds, said Diane Bonanno, executive director for Rutgers Recreation. Instead, participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child between the ages of three and 14.

The course begins and ends at the gym, located at 130 College Ave. in New Brunswick. It includes portions of Sicard, George and Huntington streets, College Avenue and Bucchleuch Park.

Toys are donated to children living in New Brunswick public housing and surrounding communities. Last years event involved 1,950 participants and collected an estimated 2,500 toys.

Check-in takes place from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., followed by instructions and line-up at 9 a.m. The run/walk starts promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Sponsors include Rutgers Recreation, New Brunswick Recreation and the City of New Brunswick Housing Authority.

Participants may register and drop off toys between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, or the morning of the race at the gym.

For pre-registration and more information, visit recreation.rutgers.edu/bigchill, or call 732-445-0462.

Contact: E.J. Miranda
732-932-7084, ext. 613
E-mail: emiranda@ur.rutgers.edu