DOWNEY -- Philanthropist and community leader Dr. Mary Stauffer has been named grand marshal of the Downey Christmas Parade, taking place Sunday, Dec. 3, along Downey Avenue. 

Stauffer turned 100 this year and has donated millions of dollars in college scholarships to Downey students. 

This year's parade will be preceded with a 5K elf run at 9 a.m. The race begins at Vazza Cafe (next to the library) and winds through downtown Downey. The first place male and female runners will be invited to ride in the parade. 

Cost to participate in the 5K is $40 for adults and $15 for students. Registration is available at active.com or at the Downey Chamber of Commerce office. 

The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Downey Avenue, just south of Florence Avenue. The parade's theme is "School House Christmas."