Walk raises nearly $10K for hunger relief

DOWNEY - Nearly 200 Downey residents walked 4.3 miles in a Downey CROP Hunger Walk on Oct. 14.Walkers raised just shy of $10,000 for global and hunger relief, including $1,200 that will go tot he FoodHelp and PTA HELPS centers in Downey. About $7,500 will go toward hunger relief efforts in places around the world. The money will help fund tools and seeds for farms, literacy classes for women and more. "The walk was made incredibly safe thanks to the Downey Police Department who patrolled the walk route, and especially Officer Edwards and the Police Explorers who functioned as crossing guards at major intersections," said Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons of the Moravian Church of Downey and the walk coordinator. CROP (communities responding to overcoming poverty) walks have been happening throughout the country for more than 60 years and are grassroots community endeavors sponsored by Church World Service. Church World Service works with partner agencies to eradicate hunger and poverty while promoting peace and justice around the world. "Thank you to all of the local businesses that contributed bottled water, snacks, gift cards and finances toward our successful 2012 Downey CROP Hunger Walk," Melby-Gibbons said. "Ending hunger is feasible and Downey is one the frontlines of social justice in making hunger eradication a priority. Hopefully, we will see the CROP Hunger Walk grow and thrive in coming years."

********** Published: October 25, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 28