From John and Lynne Schlaht
Union County CROP Hunger Walk co-chair
Creston
Sunday, Oct. 8, was a beautiful day for a walk, and residents from Creston and the surrounding area gathered at the gazebo by the Greater Regional Medical Center to bring cash donations for the Union Country Crop Hunger Walk and non-perishable food items for local food pantries. And then we walked – because many people around the world have to walk hours every day for food and clean drinking water.
Creston is one of approximately 1,500 hunger walks held in the U.S. every year. One in nine people worldwide lack access to clean water and healthy food. Not only does CROP help with this, but educational programs are available to help people learn more productive ways to grow food and obtain water.
Church World Service (CWS) also provides health kits and clean-up buckets to victims of disasters.
We are amazed every year at the generous spirit of area residents who support the CROP Walk. So far, this year’s walk has reached the $6,000 mark and we’re waiting for pledges that are yet to come in. Thanks to Hy-Vee for providing apples and Fareway for providing bottled water for the walk, and to both stores for letting us accept cash donations and food for our Jump Start Saturday event. Despite a rather stormy day, $550.84 was collected for the walk, as well as many bags of groceries.
It’s not too late to help. Remember, 25 percent of what is collected in cash will come back to Union County to help area residents. This year, the money will go to Creston Area Food Pantry Inc. If you would like to help, please send your donation to the CROP Walk treasurer, Lynne Schlaht, 1204 N. Vine St., Creston, IA 50801. Please make out your check to CWS CROP.
Many thanks to all who helped make the walk a success.
