It’s not just for the millions of people around the world struggling against the grip of poverty; it’s also for people right here in Bowling Green who have found themselves without jobs and who struggle to have enough food for their families.
A community based fund-raising event, CROP WALK, raises money for local hunger fighting agencies as well as international relief and development efforts of Church World Service.
CROP walkers help support long-term development in more than 80 countries. In Africa they are helping families grow food, providing clean water to villages and helping the struggle with AIDS. They help meet the special needs of refugees and assist in disasters and famines, and share some $4 million annually to support local hunger fighting efforts across the United States.
Judy Wilbarger and Jo Vernon began a CROP WALK in Bowling Green three years ago when they realized there was not an office in Wood County.
Needs have increased greatly in this area and as more churches have gotten involved, Wilbarger said this year’s goal doesn’t seem too far out of reach.
Organizers have set this year’s goal at $8,000–double the collection of last year. Most of the proceeds will be donated to the Church World Service organization but 25 percent of the collection will be donated to the Bowling Green Food Pantry.
“I was watching TV the other day. Those sad commercials came on and I felt so helpless,” Vernon said. “Then, it just hit me–I am doing something. I’m doing the CROP WALK. And it makes me feel better.”
Vernon believes that most people just don’t want to admit they need help or just feel too bad to tell anyone that the food just is not there for them.
Rain or shine, on Sunday, Oct. 3, Bowling Green will hold it’s third annual CROP WALK to help feed the pains of hunger. Walkers are urged to get family, friends and co-workers to sponsor them, and can pick up envelopes at participating churches. Registration for the walk begins at 1:30 p.m. at Montessori School on the Slippery Elm Trail and will proceed to Christ United Methodist Church in Portage, then back to Montessori School.
