MERRIMACK — Elementary school students of Merrimack released some energy after school last Monday while also promoting a good cause during the ninth annual Harvest 3K, which benefits the St. James United Methodist Church’s Food Pantry.

The event began in 2010 as a fundraiser for table equipment. For three years, the event helped raise enough money for two tables per year.

By 2014, race coordinators decided they wanted to help their community with the funds instead.

Since 2014, all proceeds from the race, mainly consisting of food donations, have been given to the pantry, which then disperses the donations out into the community.

St. James Church offers a food pantry that is available on a bi-weekly basis to all Merrimack residents, as well as members of St. James Church who are facing financial struggles.

The pantry provides both fresh and non-perishable food along with cleaning products to more than 100 families, according to its website.

Last week, participating students ran six laps, or about 1.86 miles, around James Mastricola Upper Elementary School’s playground. Similar to last year, students received a handful of straws to drop in a bucket, signifying how many laps they had left until they were finished.

Within the last several years, members of the school’s running club, the Jogging Jaguars, have chosen to participate in the event. Students and parents were able to drop off non-perishable food items prior to the race.

This year brought in an even larger crowd of students than last year, with approximately 30 more students participating.

Nearly 110 students from all four of Merrimack’s elementary schools – James Mastricola Upper Elementary School, Reeds Ferry Elementary School, Thorntons Ferry School and James Mastricola Lower Elementary School – as well as five parents, participated.

“The event is truly a win-win situation. Our students get an opportunity to exercise and some members of our community get some free food,” James Mastricola Upper Elementary School physical education instructor and event coordinator Rick Greenier said. “We hope our students also take away the value and importance of helping others. St. James Church in Merrimack helps make it all possible.”

Those who are interested in donating or know someone who needs assistance may contact the Rev. Lynne Mentzer or Donna Johnson anytime at 603-440-9597.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.