For Kappa Delta's 18th annual Shamrock 5K run, they're hoping to have the luck of the Irish.
As one of Kappa Delta's biggest philanthropy events of the year, the sorority will host its 5K Feb. 26.
Eighty percent of proceeds will go to Lee County Stop Child Abuse and Neglect Special Deliveries and 20 percent to Prevention of Child Abuse America.
Special Deliveries is a local charity that helps young, single mothers and helps prevent child abuse.
Ballard Lander, sophomore in pre-pharmacy and director of the Shamrock Run, said as part of Special Deliveries, young mothers can take classes and go to counseling sessions where they can obtain "baby bucks" to buy diapers and basic necessities.
Some of their proceeds go to a store Special Deliveries stocks where these mothers can spend their baby bucks.
"We love Special Deliveries, which is here locally," Lander said. "I think a lot of people want to come support that because it is local."
PCAA is the sorority's national philanthropic organization.
Lander said she believes it is important to give back to the community.
"Our chapter believes we are all so blessed to have been raised in a loving family, and so many people don't have that," Lander said. "Every child deserves to be loved and shown with respect."
Last year, KD raised more than $30,000 from runner participation and donations for these charities.
KD president Haley Bagwell said she hopes to improve from last year.
Traditionally, the 5K took place in March near St. Patrick's Day.
"We hope because it is in February there is a better turnout," Bagwell said. "There is not as much going on."
KD has been planning for the 5K since last year's ended.
Bagwell said they got together and talked about what went well and on what they could improve.
Lander was chosen as the director of the 5K in December and worked continuously during Christmas Break to get everything together.
"Ballard worked long, hard hours," Bagwell said.
The race will begin at the KD chapter room in Willow Hall in the Village and will end in the RO parking lot on West Thach Avenue.
Raffle prizes will be provided for contestants, including Nalgene water bottles, coffee mugs and gift certificates from community establishments.
Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m.
Pre-registration is $15 and can be filled out at www.auburn.edu/kd. Registration the day of the race is $17, and all participants receive a T-shirt.
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