CROPwalk for Hunger aids local food pantries

SANDWICH — The Community Church of Sandwich is joining other churches around the world in sponsoring the CROPwalk for Hunger, which helps local food pantries. The CROPwalk, on Sunday, Oct. 14, will begin at 1 p.m. in the church parking lot at 12 Church St. in Center Sandwich.

Walkers, runners, bikers, and strollers are welcome, as are well-behaved dogs on leash. Those unable to participate in the CROPwalk for Hunger may support the effort the effort by making a pledge.

Other area churches participating in the CROPwalk include North Sandwich Friends Meeting, UCC in Center Harbor, St. Andrews in the Valley, the Community Church of Sandwich, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Participants of different faiths, ages, and backgrounds can help change the world with their pledges. Proceeds will be shared with local food pantries, hunger-fighting and community development programs, and Church World Service programs.

The CROPwalk has roots dating to 1946, in the aftermath of World War II, when farmers in the Midwest wanted to share their harvests, especially grains, with those starving in Europe, and started the Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP). Though many years have passed since then, hunger continues in many parts of the world, including the United States, to this day.

Since the 1960s Church World Service has responded to humanitarian needs and many weather-related and other natural disasters. One in nine people worldwide lack access to clean water and a healthy diet. In walking as they walk, local participants' steps take on meaning, being in solidarity with their struggle.

All are welcome. The lovely 5-mile country road route will leave the Community Church of Sandwich, continuing up Grove Street to Mount Israel Road, to Dale Road and down Diamond Ledge to loop back to the church.

This CROPwalk is intended to be inclusive. A route is set up for those persons unable to participate the total 5-mile route. The shorter route includes the last 1.5 miles, which is on the paved road and is level or downhill.

Those wishing to pledge money can do so by sending a check to one of the participating churches, or North Sandwich Friends Meeting, PO Box 72, North Sandwich NH 03227.

For further information or a pledge envelope for walkers, contact Starr Hope at 603-630-1935 or Susan Wiley at 603-284-6990, or go to CROPHUNGERWALK.ORG.