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Thousands rally for service at BAPS Charities walk-run
BAPS Charities' 2026 Spirit of Service Walk-Run took place across more than 100 cities, supporting local charities and community organizations.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 20, Jun 2026
- 05:42 EDT
- 25
Participants take part in the 2026 BAPS Charities Spirit of Service Walk-Run to support local charitable and community service initiatives / BAPS Charities
More than 50,000 people took part in the 2026 BAPS Charities Spirit of Service Walk-Run, held across more than 100 cities in the United States and Canada this spring, supporting local charitable causes and community service initiatives.
The annual event brought together families, community volunteers, elected officials, first responders and nonprofit organizations in a coordinated effort to promote volunteerism and civic engagement. According to BAPS Charities, the initiative benefited more than 90 organizations, including food banks, cancer research centers, educational programs and first responder agencies.
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The walk-run events were held in communities across North America as part of the organization's efforts to encourage service and strengthen local partnerships ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations.
In Greater Houston, more than 2,200 participants gathered at Sugar Land Town Square to support local mental health, education and law enforcement initiatives. Congressman Christian Menefee and Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon joined volunteers at the event.
"We need to focus on our neighbors, our brothers, our sisters, and our community — and that's what this is all about," Menefee said.
Similar events took place across several states, drawing support from federal, state and local leaders. In Dallas, Texas State Representative Matt Shaheen emphasized the value of community service, while in Edison, New Jersey, Congressman Frank Pallone joined a bipartisan group of state and local officials at the walk-run.
Pennsylvania's event included participation from Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and several state lawmakers, while community leaders and elected officials also joined activities in Connecticut, Michigan and Mississippi.
BAPS Charities said its local organizing committees selected beneficiary organizations based on the needs of their communities. Among the recipients were cancer research and patient-support programs, homelessness assistance organizations and fire departments.
Monty Permenter of the American Cancer Society in Mississippi said the organization's support helps advance cancer research and assist families affected by the disease. In Georgia, Family Promise of the Coastal Empire said donations would help provide resources for homeless families and children. In Connecticut, officials said funding would support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention efforts.
The walk-run is part of BAPS Charities' broader humanitarian and community service mission. Guided by the principle, "In the joy of others lies our own," the organization supports health, education, disaster relief, environmental and community development initiatives in countries around the world.
Founded more than 50 years ago, BAPS Charities operates in nine countries and regularly mobilizes volunteers for local and international service projects. Organizers said the Spirit of Service Walk-Run reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to community engagement and volunteerism across North America.
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