Community to walk to fight hunger

Would you like to make a difference? Would you like to join the community of Washington in caring for people who are in need? Would you like to join Jesus in feeding the 5,000 with what you have?

If so, let me invite you to join us on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m., starting at St. James Catholic Church, 616 W. Second Street, as the community of Washington participates in the CROP Walk. This is the oldest hunger-fighting fundraising event in the United States. Last year we raised $5,340; this year we hope to exceed that and raise over $6,000. One-fourth of the money raised in the CROP Walk stays right here in Washington County.

After the CROP Walk, at 4 p.m., back at St. James, Kids Against Hunger will pack pre-bagged meals that will be distributed to those in need. Kids Against Hunger is an international volunteer-driven effort that mobilizes youth and adults to fight against national and global hunger. For about 25 cents, six people can be fed; $10 will feed 43 children. Last year over 100 people helped pack meals. This year we hope to exceed that number and have 130 people help.

There are many ways to help. You can be a walker, or be a sponsor of a walker, or give a donation directly; you can help pack meals. If you?d like to make a donation to either the CROP Walk or Kids Against Hunger, make your check out to either one of these organizations and send it to the Washington United Methodist Church at 206 West Second St., Washington, IA 52353. You can make a difference.

We look forward to walking with you on Sunday, Oct. 12.