By KAYE THORNBRUGH

Staff Writer

RATHDRUM — Lakeland High School students are racing to fight hunger in the Rathdrum area.

The second Frozen 5K will be this Saturday at Lakeland High School. The race begins at 9 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Rathdrum Lions Club’s Nutritional Weekend Backpack Program, which provides food to area elementary school students who would otherwise go hungry during weekends.

“It’s a really great opportunity for our school to get involved with our community to help those in need,” said Sarah Boyer, a senior at Lakeland High School and ASB president.

Boyer helped organize the 5K this year and during its inaugural year in 2019.

“We wanted to open it to the community,” she said. “We’re excited to do it again this year.”

For $180, the Nutritional Weekend Backpack Program can send a child home every Friday with enough food to last through the two- and three-day weekends for an entire school year.

In addition to feeding elementary students, the Frozen 5K is also part of Lakeland’s efforts in the upcoming Battle for the Paddle, a spirit competition between students at Lakeland and Sandpoint high schools.

This is the fourth annual Battle for the Paddle. Students compete in a number of categories, from rap battles to basketball games. As part of the competition, each school also fundraises for a charity of their choice.

“It’s not just a school event to raise money for a particular spirit competition,” Boyer said. “We’re helping people in need.”

The entry fee for the Frozen 5K is $20. The first 150 people to register will receive a free shirt.

To register for the Frozen 5K, contact Maggie Mayernik at 208-687-0181 ext. 2129 or: maggie.mayernik@lakeland272.org