Citizens of Newton County are racing against hunger in working to change the world.

The annual Change the World Day event will be hosted by the Covington First United Methodist Church Oct. 25. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. with a mile fun run, followed by the steeple chase 5K at 9 a.m. Collection bins will be available for non-perishable items brought to the race.

The Change the World Day festival runs from noon-3 p.m. with 75-plus booths of community services available, along with art exhibits, prayer stations, health screenings and flu shots, fall festival-games, petting zoo, face painting, free food and live Christian music. A blood mobile will also be on site.

The Gifts of Grace Expo will provide free services for community members in need such as: booklets with listings of local service, hair cuts, nail polish, health screenings, eye screening, mobile dentist, food/health care store, coats, sweaters, sweat shirts and pants, gloves, scarves, blankets, showers, food and drinks and prayer and counseling.

Among the items suggested for food collections are: canned vegetables, beef stew, rice, pastas, ramen noodles, dried beans, mac n’ cheese, spaghetti sauce, pancake mix/syrup, potted meats, Vienne sausage, canned tuna, beef and chicken bouillon cubes, peanut butter, small jars of mayonnaise and mustard, 1 pound of sugar, self-rising flour, canned milk, shortening, saltines, salt/pepper, baby food and formula.

Among the health need items are soap, shampoo, deodorant, razors, combs/brushes, feminine products, lotion, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, toilet paper, tooth brushes, tooth paste and floss ,diapers, baby wipes, band aids, antibiotic cream, wash cloths, nail clippers and files and laundry detergent.