Elgin CROP Hunger Walk set for Oct. 18

The 33rd annual Elgin CROP Hunger Walk has set a goal of 330 walkers and hopes to raise $33,000 to help stop hunger and poverty here in our community and around the world, through self-help initiatives.

Twenty-five percent of the funds raised here in Elgin will go to the local food pantries and Soup Kettle in Elgin. The rest will support the international work of Church World Service.

Elgin CROP Walk has raised more than $500,000 over the past 32 years. Fourteen organizations have recruiters who will encourage members to walk or support the walk on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda is the honorary chair of the organizing team. He is planning to join the walkers as they step off at 2 p.m. from the Elgin Civic Plaza located between City Hall and the Hemmens.

Last year, 144 walkers raised more than $24,000 in their locally organized CROP Hunger Walk.

This year, Elgin and some 2,000 cities and towns nationwide are joining together in interfaith community CROP Hunger Walks around the theme "Ending hunger one step at a time."

Many of the CROP Walkers will be wearing T-shirts, proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world who have to walk to live - as well as with the millions served by local food pantries, food banks, and meal sites here in the U.S. These local ministries share in the funds raised by CROP Hunger Walks.

CROP Hunger Walks are making a big difference worldwide, including ensuring that more children reach their fifth birthday, teaching sustainable ways to grow food and providing additional sources of food and income to families facing extreme challenges.

CROP Hunger Walks also play a role in the U.S., helping communities ravaged by floods and tornadoes to recover.

For more information about the Elgin CROP Hunger Walk or to be involved, contact Laurel Bault (224) 587-3611 or laurelbault@yahoo.com.

Visit www.elgincropwalk.wordpress.com or find them on Facebook.