DOWNEY - The second annual Downey CROP (Community Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk drew more than 300 volunteers and raised over $15,000 on Sunday.Men, women, teens and children of all ages walked four miles, in unity to raise awareness of poverty in the world and our local community. Twenty-five percent of the funds will directly aid Downey's PTA HELPS and Downey FoodHelp Food Bank at Downey First Christian Church. The remainder of the funds will support programs through the non-profit Church World Service, the main organizer of the CROP Hunger Walk. Organizers said this year's event "exceeded their expectations" and surpassed last year's fundraising total by more than 50 percent. "This truly was an extraordinary turnout and was supported by Downey's community leaders, residents, local businesses and many houses of worship and community organizations," said John Saavedra, co-planner of the Downey CROP Walk. "Special gratitude and recognition to the Downey Police Department and the Downey Police Department's Explorers program for keeping all walkers safe along the route."

********** Published: Oct. 17, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 27