BLUFFTON, S.C. - s4story -- Libraries For Kids International is proud to announce its partnership as the official charity partner of the 2026 May River Shrimp Festival Hawaiian Shirt 5K. The 5K event is Saturday, July 25, at Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton.

The event is part of the annual May River Shrimp Festival, a two-day event held July 24-25 at Oyster Factory Park. The festival is a celebration of the town's heritage as a fishing village.

As the charity partner, Libraries For Kids International will benefit from community awareness generated through the event while coordinating volunteers who help make race day a success. Nearly 20 people have volunteered for this signature summer event.

"This partnership provides an opportunity to engage our local community while raising awareness about the transformative power of books and education," said Laura Winkel, CEO of Libraries For Kids International. "Every volunteer, participant and supporter helps us continue our mission of putting books into the hands of children who need them most."

The May River Shrimp Festival Hawaiian Shirt 5K (https://bit.ly/4vCbGL3) begins at 9 a.m. and takes participants on a scenic course through the historic streets of Old Town Bluffton before finishing at Oyster Factory Park. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirts and embrace the festive spirit of the race. The event includes a Hawaiian-themed T-shirt, lei, post-race refreshments, awards and a post-race celebration featuring music, prizes, and the popular Best Looking Flyin' Hawaiian Contest.

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Community members are supporting the event in two ways: By participating in the 5K as a runner or walker, and by volunteering to assist with race-day activities.

Libraries For Kids International recognizes and thanks service members and leadership from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and the broader Beaufort-area military community for their significant role in supporting volunteer coordination efforts.

Libraries for Kids International (https://www.libraries4kids.org/) based in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy and education for children in rural areas of Africa. By shipping and providing books to publicly funded rural schools across Africa, the organization helps students discover the joy of learning and expand their opportunities for the future. In addition, the organization hosts monthly author events which are free, at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton.