'Tis the Season

Andreas S.

As a long-time Flyer I especially enjoy the time around the Holidays. This is the time of year when we meet up for group runs or races through the fresh and chilly air in Central Park. But even beyond the Park, there are many parties and other gatherings, club-wide or with smaller groups, that make the season so festive. Yet the Flyers have a long-standing tradition of also remembering the less fortunate that might not be able to join in the holiday cheer.

I've participated in a number of the Toys for Tots runs organized by Sandy A. How nice it is to run down Fifth Avenue, admire the Holiday windows at Saks and then gather for caroling under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. I have never been that good at karaoke or other sing-alongs, but standing under that tree and singing with a bunch of Flyers decked out in holiday gear always makes me feel “warm and fuzzy”. After the stint in the spotlight of tourists’ cameras we would then visit the children’s hospital on the Upper Eastside to hand out toys we collected. I will never forget the glowing eyes of these kids, sadly stuck in the hospital during Christmastime, when we would sing carols just for them.

Flyers at Toys For Tots

For many, many years, the Flyers have also been organizing a fundraising campaign during this season for the Food Bank of New York City. With our contributions we have been helping the many New Yorkers who live in low-income neighborhoods to get nutritious food so they can lead a healthy lifestyle. These fundraisers always make me realize how important and gratifying giving back is.

And then there is the “Soles for Souls” sneaker donation program that Dave K. and Diane Z. have been so wonderfully organizing year after year. What better way to repurpose old running shoes than to send them to third world countries? Amazing that my ’06 Saucony’s are treading dirt someplace in Africa now!

For me all of this is what makes it great to be a Flyer during the Holidays: Having fun together, partying and singing but also giving back to others that are not as lucky as we are.

Have a Happy Holiday and a great New Year!