The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program is running a marathon to raise money for the Cocoon Shelter.

About 20 students, faculty and staff are signed up so far to participate in the Glass City Marathon in Toledo on April 27, said Sandra Faulkner, director of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program.

“[The Cocoon Shelter is] a very important community service,” Faulkner said. “It’s something that I feel strongly about.”

The Cocoon Shelter aids women and children affected by domestic violence in Wood County.

As of March 16, the cause has raised $510 from 11 donations online, according to its fundraising page at firstgiving.com. Additional funds not included in the total were raised at a bake sale during at the Vagina Monologues, Faulkner said.

There are a variety of things the money raised could be used for, said Michelle Clossick, executive director of the Cocoon Shelter. They include transportation, car repair, clothes and helping women relocate or get protection orders.

The Cocoon Shelter also provides funds for things like sending children to summer camp so that they can have a normal experience, Clossick said.

Having funds that aren’t from a grant or otherwise earmarked for a specific use gives the Cocoon Shelter some flexibility to help where it is needed, Clossick said.

The Cocoon Shelter responded to almost 4,000 requests for services in Wood County this past year, Clossick said.

This isn’t the first year the Glass City Marathon has been used as a fundraiser for the Cocoon Shelter. The Graduate Women’s Caucus has previously used the race as a fundraiser, she said.

Clossick has participated before, but is unable to run this year due to an injury.

Because of her previous involvement, Clossick said the fundraiser is “exciting both personally and professionally.”

She said she understands the dedication necessary to train for running.

“It’s symbolic of what it’s like to recover from trauma in some ways,” she said.

Faulkner said when the weather improves the participants will likely go on some group runs to train.

“Not only are we raising money, but it’s also been great for some people to make a fitness goal,” Faulkner said.

Those fitness goals can vary widely, as the Glass City Marathon includes a marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 5K and kids’ marathon.

Regardless of which run participants complete, Clossick appreciates the support.

“[The run is] such a powerful demonstration of support,” she said. “It’s really powerful and moving.”