Why We Walk: Virtual CROP walk aims to help less fortunate both locally and globally

There are few fundraisers that take their funds and help not only local organizations, but also extend a helping hand to the world as a whole.

The annual Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk does just that by supporting Church World Service, which brings services to global communities as well as area food pantries and social service agencies.

In the 37-year history of Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk, more than 13,270 walkers have raised over $1.56 million. Organizers are hoping to build on that total with this year's event, which takes place Oct. 11.

We spoke with volunteer Linda Osikowicz about the 38th annual walk, which will be virtual.

Q: What is the Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.

A: CROP Hunger Walks support the work of Church World Service, a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster.

CWS was begun in 1946, when 17 denominations came together in the aftermath of World War II to "Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless."

It has adapted and changed through the years and is now an international relief, development, and refugee resettlement agency. It works to alleviate hunger, fight poverty, respond to those needing disaster relief, and provide clean water, training for best agricultural practices, maternal health, etc.

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the Barrington Area Walk are returned to be dispersed to hunger-alleviating agencies in the Barrington area. This is the 38th annual Walk in Barrington!

Last year was the 50th anniversary of CROP Hunger Walks. The story of the CROP Hunger Walk goes back to 1969. Teens in Bismarck, North Dakota, and York County, Pennsylvania, decided it was time to do something for families who had to walk miles for food and clean water. So they walked - and, because they took that first step, hunger has forever been changed.

Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?

A: Each walker asks friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc. to sponsor them in the walk. Many of our walkers are from the sponsoring churches and donations are from fellow members. But, because of online giving, sponsors can be all across the country!

Q: How many people per year do you serve?

A: We serve countless individuals and families. Through the walk, we serve the Barrington Area organizations that work to alleviate hunger, plus Church World Service and its programs, which are national and worldwide in 30 countries.

It's difficult to know how many are helped locally, but we know that more people are turning to food pantries this year due to the economic impact of COVID-19. The walk may be virtual, but the need is real.

Q: What are some of your programs?

A: Twenty-five percent of the funds raised stays in our area benefiting the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the FISH Food Pantry - Carpentersville, BACOA Meals With Wheels, Wauconda-Island Lake Food Pantry, United Partnership for a Better Community Summer Lunch Program in Wauconda, Project HOPE, and the People in Need program of the Barrington Area Ministerial Association.

Q: Tell us about the Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk. How does it work?

A: Individuals are encouraged to register as walkers at https://www.crophungerwalk.org/barringtonil.

A walker can register as a member of a team, start a team, or register individually. Then, walkers are invited to contact "sponsors," individuals who will make a donation to the CROP Walk. After registering, walkers will receive an email about how to join the Zoom meeting send-off on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. and may participate in that before walking.

There will be a video and opening comments, then walkers may walk any path they wish - around their block, favorite park or forest preserve, individually or socially distancing with a few others.

In the past, there has been a "route" followed by all walkers, and don't be surprised if some "old-timers" are seen walking past routes through the village of Barrington on Oct. 11.

Also, since we cannot be together in person, walkers can walk another time that is convenient for them as well. In fact, some individuals aren't able to walk, but are supporting "in spirit" by asking friends for contributions.

Q: What else would you like readers to know?

A: From Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, all online donations will be matched up to $10,000 by an anonymous foundation, so this is a great way to participate and fight hunger.

Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk

Who: Benefits Church World Service, a faith-based organization, and area food pantries

When: Event takes place Oct. 11; from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, all online donations will be matched up to $10,000.

Cost: Walkers are invited to contact "sponsors," individuals who will make a donation to the CROP Walk

To register: www.crophungerwalk.org/barringtonil.