Brooke senior holds run to support drive

FOLLANSBEE -- A Brooke High School senior got many area residents on their feet this summer to help the Bernie's Kids toy drive. Johnna Lahita raised $3,338 for the cause through a 5K run/walk she held during Follansbee Community Days. Approximately 70 runners and walkers made their way along the city streets between the Garibaldi Lodge and Hood's Pharmacy and back. A total of 100 had paid registration fees for the event, and Lahita offered thanks to all of them. She expressed appreciation for the financial support she received from about a dozen businesses, individuals and the cooperation of local officials, including city police, who blocked streets for the race that day. Lahita noted medals were presented to the top finishers among male and female runners and walkers in several age groups. All participants received a commemorative T-shirt.

The daughter of John and Dina Lahita, she organized the run for her senior community service project. She said the idea came naturally to her because she has competed in her school's cross country and track teams and was familiar with the toy drive. Launched by the late Brooke County sheriff Bernie Kazienko more than 50 years ago, the charity provides toys to local children in need each Christmas. It has been carried on in recent years by members of the Brooke County Deputy Sheriffs Association and several volunteers.