There are lots of ways to use running as a way to give back to the city of brotherly love. Here are some places to start.

Fundraising

After you sign up for an event, whether it be a general or a charity run, be sure to dedicate just as much time to fundraising as you do to training! Pick a cause or foundation you are passionate about and be sure to let everyone you know that you're running to raise money. Send out frequent email reminders to your family, friends and co-workers[1]. Thank them after the event and update them on your progress as you train. 

FirstGiving.com is a online tool that helps you manage your fundraising by allowing you to advertise and collect funds in a single space. There is a 7.25% transaction fee applied to each donation, and FirstGiving has to verify the 501(c) status of the organization you want to send your funds to [2]. 

Volunteer

Back On My Feet is a "non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia's homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem." [3] Founded in Philadelphia in 2007, Back on My Feet is the first program of its kind in the country [4]. The teams run 3-4 mornings a week in preparation for either a 5k, half or full marathon event [5]. They need volunteers at every stage of running ability to commit at least one morning per week. [6] A list of groups and meeting times is available here. You can view the organization's photo album of pictures from races and events here.

Students Run Philly Style helps students in Philadelphia train for marathons in hopes of building their self-esteem and modeling healthy lifestyles [7]. You can volunteer to be a Running Leader (coordinate weekly practices, help students register for marathons, etc [8]) or a Friend (help out at events [9]).

Girls on the Run is a great after school program in nearby Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Girls on the Run is a 5k training program for girls in grades 3-8 [10], that focuses on community involvement, teamwork and personal development [11]. Volunteer opportunities are available for Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches [12].

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Blind Sports Organization seeks to promote athletic opportunities for the blind population[13]. They are willing to train guide runners and other coaches [14]. Contact information for the Philadelphia chapter is located here.

Or you can...start a running club with dogs!

Here's a great opportunity to combine your love of running with a love of dogs. Currently, there are no programs for taking homeless dogs for runs in Philadelphia. This article from the Philadelphia Inquirer profiles some successful programs from across the country and can give you some good ideas on how to get started!

Resources: 

[1] Team Firstgiving. (n.d.).  Week 2: Build Your Base. Online. Internet. Accessed 24 October 2009 at: http://www.teamfirstgiving.com/marathon-fundraising-week-2-build-your-base/

[2] Firstgiving. (n.d.). About us. Online. Internet. Accessed 24 October 2009 at: http://www.firstgiving.com/Statements/about_us/team.asp

[3] Back On My Feet. (n.d.). History: Philadelphia. Online. Internet. Accessed 26 October 2009 at: http://philadelphia.backonmyfeet.org/History.html

[4] CNN Heros. (October 7, 2008). Runner gets homeless on right track. Online. Internet. Accessed 26 October 2009 at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/02/heroes.mahlum/index.html

[5] Berman, Jillian. (July 21, 2009). Running program gets homeless on track emotionally, physically. Online. Internet. Accessed 26 October 2009 at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-07-21-homelessrunners_N.htm

[6] Back On My Feet. (n.d.). Join a Team: Philadelphia. Online. Internet. Accessed 26 October 2009 at http://philadelphia.backonmyfeet.org/Get-Involved.html

[7] Students Run Philly Style. (2009). About Students Run Philly Style. Online. Internet. Accessed 29 October 2009 at: http://www.studentsrunphilly.org/about.html

[8] Students Run Philly Style. (2009). Become a Running Leader! Online. Internet. Accessed 29 October 2009 at: http://www.studentsrunphilly.org/runningleader.html

[9] Students Run Philly Style. (2009). Friends of Students Run Philly Style. Online. Internet. Accessed 29 October 2009 at: http://www.studentsrunphilly.org/friends.html

[10] Girls on the Run Pennsylvania. (n.d.). Home. Online. Internet. Accessed 31 October 2009 at: http://www.gotrpa.org/index.html

[11] Girls on the Run Pennsylvania. (n.d.). About The Program. Online. Internet. Accessed 31 October 2009 at http://www.gotrpa.org/abouttheprogram.html

[12] Girls on the Run Pennsylvania. (n.d.). Interested in Volunteering? Online. Internet. Accessed 31 October 2009 at http://www.gotrpa.org/interestedinvolunteering.html

[13] Blind Sports Organization. (2009.). Updated News and Information. Online. Internet. Accessed 4 November 2009 at: http://www.blindsports.org/index.php

[14] Blind Sports Organization. (2009.). Volunteer. Online. Internet. Accessed 4 November 2009 at: http://www.blindsports.org/volunteer.php