WEST MILFORD — Each year, the churches in West Milford, Newfoundland, Oak Ridge, Jefferson, and Milton rally together to support the community and make a difference. On Oct. 21, 2012, they will gather again and walk to end hunger.
The annual CROP Walk is sponsored by the Tri-County Clergy Association. Members of Holy Faith Lutheran, Milton Methodist, Oak Ridge Presbyterian, St. Joseph Roman Catholic, United Methodist at Newfoundland, and West Milford Presbyterian churches will be out in force to put an end to hunger.
The walk, which begins at 2 p.m., lasts about two hours. Walkers will gather at the United Methodist Church of Newfoundland, 65 LaRue Road, and end at Holy Faith Lutheran Church. The route is less than five miles around the southern end of Clinton reservoir.
How do they raise money?
In order to raise money to help end hunger in the community, walkers get sponsors. All of the money raised goes to fight hunger throughout the world and locally. Seventy-five percent of the money goes to Church World Services to address hunger on a global spectrum; the remainder stays here in our own community to help meet the needs of those who are hungry, and to support the local food pantries.
Some of the walkers have been participating in CROP Walks for over 35 years, walking first as children with their parents and now, as parents, they bring their children. CROP Walks help to raise over $26 million around the world. Last year the West Milford community raised over $7,000.
Over the last year, funds from the local CROP Walk have helped families avoid homelessness and stay in the community through such things as rental assistance, assistance with fuel and electrical bills. In all, the CROP Walk has touched the lives of over 30 families. Countless others are helped by the local food pantries that are housed at Holy Faith Lutheran, St. Joseph’s Catholic, West Milford Presbyterian, and Our Lady Queen of Peace churches.
Some facts
Every day, 16,000 around the world die as a result of hunger. That is one child every five seconds. In the United States, 36 million deal with food shortages on a regular basis. Funds raised in a CROP Hunger Walk assist people in need around the world.
Here is what the money can do:
$72 can provide emergency food supplies for a family of five for a month
$200 can provide a struggling farm family with a draft animal enabling them to increase their food production and carry their goods to market.
$1,050 can support community-based health, hygiene, and sanitation training for an entire community.
If you would like to walk or make a donation to support a walker, contact your pastor or West Milford Presbyterian Church at 973-728-3081 or revjanet@optonline.net. You do not have to be a member of a church to participate. This is a great way to teach children about volunteering, give back and make a difference, all while getting your exercise.