Dozens of people participated in the Color Run Festival Sunday to benefit Hardship Heroes.

Runners circled the track the Penn Forest Township Recreation Park on Route 903, and were doused with colored powder along the route.

Throughout the day, people had a chance to purchase food from several food vendors including Perla Coffee & Eatery, RK Mobile Foods, Coastal Cravings, Omyra Bites, and The Candy Cabana.

More than 40 craft and gift vendors also had tents set up around part of the track. There were resin creators, self care and wellness, spirit and mystical, jewelry, art, kid-owned vendors, and many more.

Emily Enderes started Hardship Heroes after dealing with depression, plus having two special-needs children. Rather than give up, Emily instead looked for a way to help other people who are also facing difficult life situations. She started the group Hardship Heroes three years ago.

Hardship Heroes helps individuals or families with special wish experiences.

“Maybe someone’s going through a tragic time; maybe a cancer diagnosis, a fire, something of that sort. They nominate the family,” Enderes said.

A sample experience is one family was treated to a staycation at Paradise At the Pool, complete with hot tub, outdoor shower, and heated saltwater pool. It also included a basket filled with dance clothing and accessories for the family’s daughter.

“Right now, we do two spring heroes, two fall heroes, and then three holiday heroes,” Enderes added.

Hardship Heroes also launched the Quick IMPACT Cards program, which provides gift cards following an emergency, such as the recent fire on North First Street, Lehighton.

“GoFundMe pages take a little bit of time to get up and running and some time before the recipients receive the funds,” Enderes said. “We’re able to make swift and quick action to help them right away.”

The group hopes to get grants in the future. For now, they depend on donations and fundraising events.

In addition to Enderes, the board includes Joshua Koch, who serves as secretary and treasurer; and Larry Enderes, assistant secretary and director of communications. Additional volunteers are Nancy Ryan, Gina Curry, and Roxie Brown.

To volunteer, to donate, or to nominate a person for family, visit HardshipHeroes.org.