Turkey Trot group strives for sheepdog-style loyalty

Ike McClane (left) and Michael Kaiser of Jersey City, N.J., sprint to the fi nish line Thursday during the 8th annual NWA Turkey Trot 5K sponsored by Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. Proceeds from the event are used for Christmas presents for children of veterans and first responders in need.
Ike McClane (left) and Michael Kaiser of Jersey City, N.J., sprint to the fi nish line Thursday during the 8th annual NWA Turkey Trot 5K sponsored by Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. Proceeds from the event are used for Christmas presents for children of veterans and first responders in need.

BENTONVILLE -- Sheepdogs are bred and trained to safeguard their flocks. That's their reason for being. It's what they do.

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Joanna Van Brunt (from right) cheers Thursday as results for her daughter Schana Van Brunt and friend Ike McClane, all of Elkins, are announced during the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance NWA Turkey Trot 5K at the Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s in Rogers. Proceeds from the annual race provide Christmas presents for children of veterans and first responders in need. Ike finished first and Schana third in the 14 and under age group. For more photos, go to www.nwadg.com/photos.

Taking their cue from that, the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance staff, volunteers and team members spent Thanksgiving morning organizing and overseeing the 8th annual Turkey Trot 5K race at the Center For Nonprofits in Rogers. The proceeds from the event will provide toys, clothing and other necessities for the children of military families and first responders -- the sheepdogs of the community -- who are in need this Christmas.

Lance Nutt, president and founder of the Sheep Dog organization, said the group grew from a desire of current and former servicemen and first responders to continue serving. Nutt, a Marine Corps sergeant major with 28 years of service, said it's a natural progression.

"Myself and a few other vets were looking for a way to continue to serve after we got out," Nutt said. "Whether you've got six years or 30 years, when you stop being a police officer or firefighter or serving military, you still want to contribute."

Nutt, a Rogers resident, said the group plans to adopt about 300 children in sheepdog families this Christmas. The children are asked to put together a wish list of the top three toys they would like to have, plus clothing and shoe sizes. The group takes the lists and makes those Christmas wishes come true.

Elisha Modisette of Centerton volunteers with the group and has for about four years. She said her sister began working with Nutt first, and when she heard him speak she was impressed with his passion for service and the work being done by the group in the community.

"That's the main thing," Modisette said. "Giving back to people who are always giving and not wanting anything in return."

Frank Arellano, of Avoca, said he runs every weekend and has participated in the Turkey Trot for the past three years. He said he learned of the race through connections in the local running community, and the purpose of the event struck a chord with him.

"This is close to home," he said. "My stepdad was in the military and we traveled all over. So the military has a little soft spot in my heart."

Metro on 11/27/2015

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