A B O U T A N N I E ' S L O C K E R
Annie's Locker was started in 2008. Inspired by a fellow runner who died in 2007, the idea was born to do something to inspire new runners.
MISSION
Annie's Locker collects and distributes new and gently used running and fitness gear to people in need. We would like to help them overcome the first hurdle in becoming physically fit...proper gear!
We believe that when a person is in good health, it can improve all aspects of their life. Our hope is to help these people find their wings!
Annie's Locker is a non-profit organization that supports local runners in need of proper running gear and race scholarships in Rockford, Illinois that operates under the charter of Rockford Road Runners Inc., a RRCA member club, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Annie's Locker does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, family status or marital status.
A word from the Founder...
Carol Bingley
I LOVE TO RUN. It fills me up when life starts to wear me down. Running helps me keep everything else in my life in balance. It helps me stay fit and helps reduce stress. Most importantly, running makes me happy. I am doing things with my running and racing that I never thought I could, and that gives me strength to tackle lifes challenges head on. Running is also very spiritual for me, especially when I'm "Running for Two".
I'm amazed at what our community has brought to Annie's Locker. So many people have stepped forward and have helped in their own way. For that I am so grateful. With Annie's Locker, my main goal is to light a fire in people. Inviting donors and recipients to simply "Run For Two" has been so rewarding. Watching so many people out there on the trails, roads and at races "Running For Two" with their orange bandanas fills me up. Annie's Locker offers race sponsorships for those who are starting to run as well as seasoned runners. We have also gathered runners to help "pace" those recipients in a race. Running alongside a recipient/friend who is reaching a new goal or crossing that finish line for the first time...now that is rewarding. It is a powerful thing to watch them gain confidence to accomplish a goal they set out to attain, something they never thought they could do.
Crossing an actual finish line is a beautiful metaphor for all of life's challenges, and makes life's difficult circumstances seem more manageable. Annie's Locker is not just about running, or turning over fitness gear to people, it is about inspiring people, building community and caring for those who are struggling. Annie's Locker is about inspiring our recipients as well as our donors and volunteers.
I feel so proud of our recipients accomplishments. Many of our recipients have become very special to me. It is a joy to hear about their victories. When Annie's Locker receives donations of clothing or money, it is a wonderful bonus. That helps us follow our dreams to keep reaching out to more people who are in need. We are making connections and reaching people on a personal level, and that is what matters most to me. I am so proud of how our community of runners and friends in Rockford have made Annie's Locker and "Running For Two" their own. Many people have shared with me that Annie's Locker and "Running For Two" has helped give their running purpose. That is a powerful thing!
We are blessed to be among such giving people.
