CROP Walk Fights Hunger

The 34th Annual Pittsburgh East CROP Hunger Walk will be held Oct. 9, with 25 percent of all proceeds going directly to and East End Cooperative Ministries.

With a goal to end hunger locally and around the world, this year’s walk is coordinated by Beth Simon of Point Breeze, a member of in Regent Square.

Held in conjunction with Church World Service, an organization that lends support to people across the globe who are hungry or in need, the walk last year raised more than $20K total on the East End of Pittsburgh.

“Church World Service is all over the place, working on clean-up kits for Irene and they do so many things in the world, locally, and internationally,” Simon said. “Then, of course we are benefiting the hungry people of the East End of Pittsburgh, which is really great.”

Simon said it is all about the mission, as CROP walkers work to raise money for the Church World Service and the local organizations that also will benefit. Envelopes are gathered at area churches to help raise funds in addition to the walk each year.

"I think everyone who is involved and on the committee is passionate about this cause—about hunger, injustice, haves and have nots,” she said.

The 6.2 mile walk is held Oct. 9 with registration beginning at 1 p.m. at South Avenue United Methodist Church. At 2 p.m., the walk begins. The CROP walk winds through parts of Wilkinsburg, Point Breeze and Squirell Hill.

“Last year, we had a beautiful day and it's a really nice walk,” Simon said. “If you don’t walk, people can still donate through supporting a church member who is walking or by going online and making an individual donation.”

Simon said she hopes the walk can surpass last year’s fundraising mark at $20K.

“We know the economy isn't good but we think this is something that hits home for a lot of people,” she said. “It would be really nice if this started some new traditions for people. Seeing people of all ages walk their first crop walk who say, ‘Wow, I am going to do this again.' It's important—and it's fun."

For more information and to sign up now, click here.