Fleetwood CROP Walk raises over $9,000 to fight hunger

On Sunday, Oct. 14, we joined as one body to walk to raise money to fight hunger.

“We walk because they walk...” This year the CROP Walk celebrated 66 years of raising money to fight hunger. In 1946 when CROP began, the name was an acronym for ‘Christian Rural Overseas Program,” whose primary mission was to help mid-west farm families share their grain with the hungry in post WW II Europe and Asia. Our efforts today as Communities Responding To Overcome Poverty (CROP) will help feed more than 130 family units here at the Fleetwood Food Pantry.

We had nine participating churches, with 89 walkers and 4 four-footed walkers and to date have raised $9,427.32. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who shared their talents and treasures. We were blessed to have our Mayor Tammy Gore with us as she reminded us of the value that is placed on this event and the faces of hunger not all of us can see.

We thank God for again giving us sunshine and breezes and to all our many volunteers! Kay and Terry were cheering our walkers as they hit Springfield then off the find snacks at the New Harvest Church. Did anyone notice the change in the route? I understand Jill had a wonderful time at the bank. How many of you stopped at Descco to see Sandy, Charlie, Bill and Catherine? Did anyone use the port-o-potty? If you made it to St. Paul’s, Dawn had baskets of special treats...I don’t think there were any leftovers. Our last few steps take us to our start/stop and a tremendous thanks to Fleetwood School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Eaken and his staff for allowing us to use the facilities!

The results:
Christ Mertz: $90

Emmanuel United Methodist Church: 4 walkers raised $122

Maidencreek: 9 walkers raised $2,029

St. Paul’s U.C.C., Fleetwood: 48 walkers raised $4,019

Beckers St. Peters: 1 walker raised $ 116.32

Longswamp U.C.C.: 24 walkers raised $975 plus $340 online

Salem U.C.C.: 2 walkers raised $550

Friedens U.C.C.: 1 walker raised $180

The 89 walkers raised $8081.32 plus $340 online. There was $530 in donations and $476 in special contributions. Of total of $9,427.32 was raised.

St. Paul’s U.C.C., Fleetwood, continues to keep the Coveted Golden Sneaker. Congratulations St. Paul’s. Longswamp U.C.C. was awarded the Basket of Plenty. Many thanks to LUCC for their continued support. Marie Boyer was the oldest walker. Laura Walizer joined us with her twins and they were awarded the youngest walkers. A few honorable mentions need to be shared; Krumenachers Orchard donated apples.Boyers provided bottled water.And last but not least thanks to the committee members, Tom, Becky, Sandy, Michele, Pastor John and of course Butch. You all are awesome!

As Hurricane Sandy has now taken her place among the CWS priorities and the Nor’easter to hitan already ravished coast, we may not have all our totals. Remember 25 percent of all we raise is divided between The Greater Berks Food Bank, our own Fleetwood Food Pantry and our sister food pantry in Brandywine/Topton . Congratulations on another great year! And just a reminder, next year will beour 5th walk. So put on your thinking caps and give us some ideas for a grand celebration.Thanks Be to God! Keep Walking.