Walking 10 miles for a crust of bread might seem like an old-fashioned scene from the musical “Oliver” or a “National Geographic” image out of the 1960s. But it is an all-too-present reality in much of our 2015 world. And, for the 33rd year in a row, the Barrington Area CROP Walk is working to conquer global hunger and its dire effects. CROP Walk, the annual community hunger education and fund-raising event sponsored by Church World Service will take place in the village of Barrington, at Salem United Methodist Church, 115 W. Lincoln Ave., on Sunday, Oct. 18. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the Walk will begin at 1 p.m.
The Barrington CROP Hunger Walk is an ecumenical event and involves individuals from more than a dozen churches, Barrington High School and the community. More than $1.3 million dollars has been raised and more than 12,200 walkers have participated since the walk has been in existence. This year’s Grand Marshall is Zelma Dunn, who has historically been an integral part of Wauconda Food Pantry.
CROP Hunger Walk funds benefit the overall work and ministry of Church World Service — working to help those in need help themselves through refugee assistance, self-help development programs, advocacy, and disaster relief. A full 25 percent of funds raised in Barrington stays in the Barrington area, benefiting the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the FISH Food Pantry-Carpentersville, BACOA Meals With Wheels, Palatine Township Food Pantry, Wauconda-Island Lake Food Pantry, Project HOPE, the People in Need program of the Barrington Area Ministerial Association and Barrington Giving Day.
I asked CROP Walk Chair Pat Enders a few questions about the event, and this is what she had to say:
Q: How long have you been involved with CROP WALK?
A: I have been involved with the Barrington Area Crop Hunger Walk committee for eight years as Recruiter for Salem United Methodist Church.
Q: What prompted you to become involved, out of all of the charitable events in the area?
A: One Bible verse that has the most impact on me is Matthew 25:35-40 in regards to providing for individuals with needs. I’ve been very fortunate in my life and want to help others that have struggled. I’ve always been drawn toward people who do not have enough to eat. I remember a number of years ago reading people’s account of their efforts in feeding their children. One mother had stated that at one time her children were so hungry she feed them dirt to fill their bellies. It brings tears to my eyes to think that such situations happen in this world, and would like to think that our committee is providing a meal to a number of families.
Q: Do you know the names of some of the teams? What churches are participating?
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A: Most of those involved are local churches from Barrington, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Wauconda and Palatine. Also, some of the high school football boys walk. Last year we had 16 churches participating…Last year, 240 people walked.
Barrington Area Crop Walk seeks to “change the world, one step at a time.” So, they encourage you to bring together your family, group or congregation. To walk, donate, or cheer on their efforts, please visit www.crophungerwalk.org/barringtonil or contact Pat Enders, [email protected] or 847-404-5151.
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Kim Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.