Hunger Walk raises $11K

DOWNEY – The third annual Downey CROP Hunger Walk two weekends ago helped raise more than $11,000 to fight local and global hunger eradication efforts. Several schools, businesses and organizations participated in the walk, resulting in 350 total walkers.

Downey Police Explorers, under the supervision of Detective Paul Edwards, served as crossing guards as walkers trekked several miles around Downey. Students at OLPH School collected hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food items to fill the empty shelves at PTA HELPS.

The pre- and post-walk ceremonies were DJ’ed by OLPH School eighth graders Ryan and Robert, and Mayor Fernando Vasquez shared encouraging words, noting “how wonderful it is to see our city coming together to fight hunger.”

“While we didn’t quite reach our intended goal of $20,000, we are entirely grateful for every penny that came in,” organizers said. “12.5 percent of this year’s funds will go to PTA HELPS and 12.5 percent will go to FoodHelp. The other 75 percent of this year’s funds will be used by Church World Service where needed most in the world.”

To make a contribution online, go to crophungerwalk.org/downeyca and click the “donate” tab.

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Published: Oct. 23, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 28