Take a walk on Oct. 23 and help those who are hungry

'A chance to be part of something so large and positive in our world’ MONROE — Organizers of the 15th annual Monroe CROP, or “Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty,” walk are hopeful to get 125 walkers to raise $12,000 on Sunday, Oct. 23, to support hunger relief efforts locally and worldwide. Last year, approximately 100 walkers raised about $8,000 in the walk, with 25 percent of funds raised staying local and benefitting food pantries in Monroe, Woodbury, Chester and Washingtonville. “We’re trying to make a really good push and help out,” CROP walk organizer Fred Schuepfer said earlier this week. “Some of the food pantries are cleaned off their shelves and the number of clients has gone up in the last three years.” From here to Japan But it’s much more than just that. “We see food pantries as a form of insurance,” said Schuepfer. “We 'put in’ when we are able to do so, so in the event we need it (food pantry services), it’s there for us.” The Monroe area walk is one of 2,000 interfaith walks in cities and towns nationwide organized under the theme “We walk because they walk.” Schuepfer said some walkers will wear T-shirts proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of people “who have to walk to live - as well as with the millions served by local food pantries, food banks, and meal sites here in the U.S.” “We are just a few of the two million CROP Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors that take some time to help end hunger and poverty around the world,” said Schuepfer. “It’s a good feeling to be part of something so large and positive in our world.” In addition to local support, the CROP walk also supports efforts in places like Japan, where many are struggling to recover from the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami. Schuepfer encouraged people to take a few hours from their weekend and “take a walk.” “It’s a very easy walk to do, around the ponds,” he said. “It’s a very pretty place to spend an hour or two with a friend. And it’s very uplifting to see people show their good side when there are a lot of other things they could be doing. For people to take a few hours to help out their neighbors is a good thing.” How you can help But those who can’t walk are encouraged to consider cash donations, which can be sent to the Monroe United Methodist Church at 47 Maple Ave. in Monroe with a note in the check memo: “CWS- CROP.” They can also visit www.churchworldservice.org and click onto “CROP Hunger Walk” to make a donation, Schuepfer added. To sign up or learn more, call Schuepfer at 782-8386.