March 28, 2024

Invitation to participate in the CROP walk

From Lynne Schlaht, co-chairperson, Union County CROP hunger walk

Creston

Someone in the world becomes a refugee every five seconds.

This is a shocking number and the TV images of Syrian refugees pouring into Europe are shocking as well. Anywhere in the world where there is war, famine or natural disasters, Church World Service is there to help. And local CROP hunger walks are held every year to raise money to help people all over the world, including the United States, who are suffering in a way very few of us can comprehend.

CROP began in 1947 to help Europeans and Asians recover from World War II. Under the umbrella of Church World Service, CROP walks across the country help feed the hungry and provide people the tools they need to help themselves by establishing community gardens and teaching growing techniques and other life supporting skills.

On Sunday, Oct. 4 the Union County CROP hunger walk will once again be held. The event is sponsored by the Union County Ministerial Alliance, and I invite all of Union County to walk and to make a strong statement that we are united in helping all who struggle every day to provide for their families with food and shelter. Last year we raised $8,621.44. Let’s beat that total.

Please come to the gazebo near the Greater Regional Medical Center at 2:30 p.m. to register on Oct. 4. The walk begins at 3:00 p.m. by taking the walking trail to Adams Street and across to beautiful McKinley Park where the walk will continue. Walkers may choose a 2, 4 or 6 mile route, or if that’s too long, walkers may walk as far as they can.

We all have this week to collect donations from friends and family. We encourage families to participate because the walk is a wonderful opportunity to teach children the concept of helping others. We will also collect non-perishable food items for four area food banks: MATURA, the Congregational UCC food bank in Creston, as well as food banks in Lorimor and Afton. Thrivent Financial will help with matching funds.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can use the indoor walking track at the YMCA.

Twenty-five percent of whatever we raise comes back to Union County to help our residents in need. If you can’t walk, volunteers will be at Hy-Vee and Fareway all day Saturday, Oct. 3 to accept monetary donations and non-perishable food items and toiletries.

Please contribute on Saturday or join us for the walk on Sunday.

The need is great.