Orrs Elementary School will hold its first annual Character is Contagious 5K Run on Saturday at 8:30 a.m., beginning and ending at the school. Registration for runners, who will all receive a free T-shirt, starts at 7 a.m. and the cost is $20 on the day of the event and $15 prior to it.

Runners will be divided into different age groups and receive first-, second- and third-place medals in each group. The overall male and female winners will get a plaque.

The run is to benefit the Character Education Program at Orrs Elementary. Through sponsorships from local businesses and individuals, about $3,000 has already been raised, said Jackie Maynard, chairwoman of the Character Education Committee at Orrs Elementary. This is not counting the money generated from registration fees, she added.

The proceeds of the run will be used for a variety of projects and events within the school. For example, it will cover the expenses for building a float, so students can participate in the annual Christmas parade. It will also provide students a special lunch with their principal.

Most importantly, perhaps, it will get the school closer to a character education room, which is a long-term goal of officials involved in the program, said Maynard. This room will feature books, games and puzzles and promote overall character development.

“Orrs really beefed up the program,” said Maynard, adding that the results already show. “Behavioral and discipline referrals (at Orrs) have decreased. Students are very involved in the program.”