The Dorchester Running Club, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, will host their first annual “Halfway to Dot Day 5K” road race on Sat., Dec. 12. Proudly partnered with the Boston Centers for Youth and Families, who host a toy drive for charity, and the Police Athletic League, the funds that will be raised for the Dot Day 5k will be donated to local Boston charities and groups, mainly for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness in the community.

The club has always wanted to host a race in their own neighborhood, says Kathleen Joyce, a member of the running club.

“We got a call from Commissioner Evans, BPD C-11 and at first, I thought we did something wrong,” says Joyce. “We went to C-11 on a Tuesday night, and we had impressed him with our handmade save the dates for the Irish festival, and he wanted to offer his partnership for the Dot Day 5K, and we couldn’t believe it.”

Thanks to the Police Athletic Association and their generosity, the running club will be able to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to charities and groups. Not only are they donating to local charities, they are also getting a local group and school choirs to sing Christmas carols during the run.

“It will be a big winter wonderland kind of event,” said Joyce.

Commissioner Evans will be running and Mayor Martin J. Walsh will be in attendance. Participation in the 5K is open to all abilities, walkers included. Registration is $20 and free for children 12 years and under.

The club encourages everyone to bring an unwrapped toy to be distributed to various city organizations. Pre-register, get a free long sleeved race shirt, and encourage others to sign up for a great cause at: http://dotday.racewire.com/.

Not a runner? Not to worry—donate by becoming a sponsor and proudly represent your company on the team’s race shirts. Email Jenn McQuaid at DorchesterRunningClub@gmail.com to learn more about the various sponsorship opportunities the teams has to offer.

The running club has been together for over a year now and running together have raised over $80,000 for various charities. They are passionate towards running to help, not just running to run. To be a part of this organization, join them for a run every Saturday morning at Garvey Park, 7 a.m.