The committee working on the CROP Walk — set for Sunday, Oct. 16, at 12:30 p.m., at Tracy Park — is looking for participants who can enlist sponsors, and take part in the walk to raise money to help supply local food pantries and Church World Services.

“They get sponsors, and they bring canned food and non-perishable food items with them when they register, which we donate to the food pantries that day,” said Elsie Shabazz, one of the organizers. “They can contact any of us and we can get them envelopes to collect in. And then they just turn them back in at the registration table the day of the walk.”

Shabazz said she can be reached at eshabazz@shawnee.edu, or by calling 740-351-3300; Rita Haider at rhaider@shawnee.edu, or 740-351-3127; Shannon Lawson at slawson@shawnee.edu or at 740-351-3295.

“If they get over $50, they’ll receive a CROP Walk T-shirt,” Shabazz said “Our goal for this year is $30,000.”

There is a one-mile route and a 3.5 mile route, which will be clearly marked for each distance. She said at the end of the one-mile route, if walkers don’t want to walk back to Tracy Park, they will be taken back in a van.

Shabazz said entertainment will be provided by Doug Parsley and the CROP Walkers. Portsmouth Mayor David Malone, who will serve as master of ceremonies, will read a proclamation commemmorating the 20th year for the walk in Scioto County.

“Even before he (Malone) became mayor, our church (Kingdom Builders) has been involved in this,” Shabazz said.

Nationally, proceeds from CROP Hunger Walks help fight hunger, helping eight local food pantries. Funds are also used nationally and internationally by agencies such as Church World Service, CARE, Heifer International, Catholic Relief Services, American Joint Jewish Distribution, and others.

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@heartlandpublications.com.