By David Harry

Staff Writer

Standing still does not seem to be in Jill McFarland’s plans.

The mother of two is a driver for patients who need cancer treatments and is training to be a hospice volunteer. She also is a founder of the local Moms in Motion chapter.

The group, which combines distance running with philanthropy, will make its first strides by hosting “Race for G.R.A.C.E.,” a 5k run that begins 11 a.m. March 27 at Scarborough High School.

For a $20 entry fee, runners and walkers can sign up to help Scarborough-based Project G.R.A.C.E., which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The organization provides financial and material assistance to needy individuals and families in town and the Portland area.

“I guess I just kind of stumbled into Project G.R.A.C.E. and thought ‘what a great organization,’” McFarland said.

She said response to the run has been stronger than she’d hoped – more than 80 runners were signed up early this week. McFarlane said the Moms in Motion chapter has 19 members, many of whom pitched in to help her organize the run.

Cheri Schulz and Nicole Garvey helped create notice of the event and logos posted at locations that include Town Hall and Hannaford Bros., McFarland said.

Schulz said working to make the run a community event was the key, so a children’s “fun run” will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the Easter bunny will hand out prizes for runners.

Project G.R.A.C.E. Executive Director Mary Rollo said the organization distributes more than $100,000 annually to help food drives at Thanksgiving and Christmas, backpacks of food for students to take home during vacation weeks, heating assistance, summer camp tuitions and donations to homeless shelters.

The organization is supported by donations and grants from private foundations, Rollo said.

The current Project G.R.A.C.E. drive seeks to provide about 700 Easter baskets of personal care items and candy to residents of nursing homes and homeless shelters.

The race begins and ends at the middle school. Runners and walkers can register at www.projectgracemaine.org or call McFarland at 409-7984. Volunteers also are needed.

Staff writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 219