It seems that every day, we are confronted with hunger, homelessness, and poverty.

For some of us, they come as images on the television screen.

For others of us, we see them in our neighborhoods.

For still others of us, they are realities in our daily lives.

Is there any way we can help?  Is there something we can do to make a difference in the world, even in a small way?  YES -- by supporting the fifth annual South Shore CROP Hunger Walk which takes place on Sunday, October 14!  Registration starts at 1 pm, and the walk will step off at 2 pm from Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant Street, Brockton.

CROP stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty, and looking to make a difference in these trying times, the South Shore CROP Hunger Walk has set a goal of 100 Walkers and hopes to raise $14,000 to help stop hunger and poverty here in our community, and around the world, through self-help initiatives.  Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will go to MainSpring House, a highly-respected agency in Brockton which addresses poverty, homelessness, hunger, health-care, unemployment, substance abuse, and more.

Last year, over 90 Walkers raised more than $12,000 in the South Shore CROP Hunger Walk.

This year, the South Shore and some 2,000 cities and towns nationwide are joining together in interfaith community CROP Hunger Walks around the theme "Ending hunger one step at a time."  Many of the CROP Walkers will be wearing T-shirts, proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world 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.  These local ministries share in the funds raised by CROP Hunger Walks.

Haiti is one part of the world where CROP Hunger Walks are making a big difference.  In the aftermath of the killer earthquake, Church World Service was there with much-needed emergency assistance.  With the recovery effort in full swing, CWS is helping families and communities to rebuild homes, food supplies and livelihoods.

CROP Hunger Walks also play a role in the U.S., helping communities ravaged by floods and tornadoes to recover.

For more information about the South Shore CROP Hunger Walk, contact Marcia Olson at 781-344-9547, log on to www.southshorecropwalk.org,
or visit the South Shore CROP Hunger Walk page on Facebook.

Please plan on joining us at our “Why We Walk” Orientation on Sunday, September 16, beginning at 7 p.m. at Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant Street, Brockton.  Rev. Bert Marshall, New England Director of Church World Service, will be the guest speaker.