Churches, youth groups and service organizations will come together Sept. 26 to fight hunger.
That’s the date of the 2015 CROP Hunger Walk.
This will be the 27th year Hood River teams have raised money and awareness in the fight against hunger. Last year, 91 walkers raised $8,200, and this year, steering committee member Kathy Holmson said organizers hope to raise $10,000.
The walk, started in 1969, is sponsored by the Church World Service and organized in communities world-wide. While 75 percent of funds are donated to hunger projects around the world, 25 percent goes to the FISH Food Bank in Hood River and the Washington Gorge Action Program (WGAP) Food Bank in White Salmon.
Reaching the $10,000 goal would mean $2,500 to split between the two organizations — a financial boost to each.
“This is a significant amount to share with our local food banks, and it is gratefully accepted by FISH and WGAP,” said Holmson. “CROP Walk is concerned with helping hungry people in our own communities in addition to helping meet the serious hunger needs of our larger global community.”
Information packets, registration forms and pledge cards are available now by contacting the Hood River Valley Christian Church at 541-386-2608. The steering committee suggests that walkers set a fundraising goal of $150, but any amount is welcome. Individuals who raise $125 or more in donations will receive a CROP pin, t-shirt, hat or tote bag as an appreciation gift.
New this year, walkers can bring in non-perishable food items in lieu of pledges.
The walk is a family-friendly, easy to moderate route that starts and ends at Hood River Valley Christian Church. Bikes are not allowed, as per the CROP Walk mantra of “we walk because they walk,” Holmson explained. Participants can choose from a one mile, “out and back” walk with no elevation change, a 5K route through the Heights to May Street and back to the church, or a 10K route that follows May Street to the west before looping back to the church.
“All routes are family friendly — kids in strollers and older folks who use walkers have all been able to enjoy the walk,” she said.
As per tradition, a friendly competition among CROP Walk teams will happen again this year — the vying for the Golden Sneaker Award, given to the team with the most walkers. Teams who bring in the highest monetary totals are also recognized.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 26 at Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road. The walk begins at 10 a.m. A free hot dog lunch, hosted by the CROP Walk steering committee, will await participants upon their return.
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