460 Walkers from area congregations participated in the 2007 Elkhart County CROP Hunger Walk.
The 2007 Walk raised $67,292.32

2007 CROP Walk Photos

Walkers and runners cover a 10K (6.2 mile) route, beginning and ending at Island Park. Elkhart area churches, civic groups, and youth groups, as well as individual walkers are invited to participate. Sponsor records for gathering pledges will be available close to the walk time at Church Community Services, 629 South Third Street, Elkhart, IN, or at area churches. Sponsor records are also be available the day of the walk.

The money collected by the walkers and runners from their sponsors is forwarded to Church World Service to fight hunger around the world. Last year (2006) walkers raised over $55,825 for Church World Service. CWS then returned and divided the 25 percent of the total collected to Elkhart's Church Community Services and The Window in Goshen to fight hunger locally.

This year there is a challenge for the Elkhart County CROP Hunger Walk:
For every $2 raised over last year's total, there will be a $1 match from a special foundation grant. The goal is to once again raise close to $70,000!

A unique option offered by Church World Service allows a sponsor to designate his gift to other hunger-fighting agencies like CARE, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Heifer Project International, MAP International, Project HOPE, or Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

There are several checkpoints along the route with restrooms, drinks, and refreshments available. At the finish line. participants are welcomed back with music, freshly popped popcorn, and drinks.

Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. at Island Park. Runners begin their participation at 1:45 p.m. Walkers begin at 2:00 p.m. and can set their own pace. Racewalkers or strollers can participate, and it is not necessary to complete the entire route. Baby strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are welcome at the CROP event, but, for safety reasons, in-line skates and bicycles are not allowed.

For more information, sponsor sheets, or to sponsor a walker, contact area churches or Dean Preheim-Bartel, Church Community Services, 629 South 3rd St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Phone 574-295-3673.