Hopelink will hold its annual Turkey Trot Fun Walk on Sunday, Nov. 16 to raise money for providing holiday assistance to 2,100 low-income families in east and north King County.

Turkey Trot proceeds help Hopelink provide emergency services for low-income families during the winter months when they face added pressures, such as higher home heating costs and additional food needs. During the coming holiday season, Hopelink anticipates an average increase of 20 percent in the number of families visiting its food banks agency-wide. Already in 2008, Hopelink has seen a 71 percent increase in the number of requests for emergency food bags compared to this time last year.

Registration and festivities for the 5K (three-mile) fun walk from Marina Park to Carillon Point and back begin at noon. The walk starts at 1 p.m. Companies, organizations, friends, families, and individuals are all invited to join the fun.

The pre-registration fee (before Nov. 16) is $20 per person, or $15 per person for teams of four or more. Day-of-event registration is $25 per person and $20 per person for teams. Strollers and pets are free. All pre-registered participants will receive a Hopelink Turkey Trot 2008 t-shirt. Walkers are encouraged to seek pledges, and those who collect pledges of $100 or more will be entered in a drawing for prizes. Other prizes will be awarded at the event, which is sponsored by Fred Meyer.

To register, visit www.hope-link.org and click on “Turkey Trot”. For information, contact Lil Klein at lilk@hope-link.org or 425-869-6005.