COMMUNITIES REACHING OUT TO PEOPLE

The CROP WALK for the Hungry is a nationwide annual fundraising event for the Church World Service, to fight hunger in our community and around the world. People in the greater Nashua area once again turned out in force to walk for those in need in the local community and for the hungry of the world. Tough economic times over the past year did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of 526 walkers who completed the 18th annual CROP WALK on October 20, 2002. The increase in the number of walkers over 2001 was likely the result of the new mini-WALK. This shorter, 2-3 mile loop of the regular 10K WALK brought in families with children in wagons, new participants and people in wheelchairs.

CROP WALK proceeds were distributed at the breakfast meeting of the Nashua Area Interfaith Council, sponsor of the CROP WALK, on March 3, 2003. Money raised by the WALK supports hunger programs worldwide and locally. Of the $51,733 raised in 2002, 25% was distributed to four local agencies. Each agency received $3233.31 for a total of $12,933.24. Pam Rausa of the Nashua Pastoral Care Center said they would use the funds to supplement their regular levels of basic foods such as tuna, cereal, beef stew, canned fruits and vegetables and other items if the funds allowed. Lucille L'Heureux, a social worker from the Salvation Army concurred, "There is a big demand for help. We really need this money to refurbish the food pantry." Mary Moriarty from the Food Pantry at St. John Neumann voiced similar needs, "We are serving over 70 families weekly. The Pantry is in need of fresh vegetables, meat, cheese, eggs to feed these families." The growing needs in the local community were further reflected by Eileen Brady of the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, "Twenty new people each week need our help because people are being laid off. Our stocks are dangerously low. Donors are experiencing a lack of funds too." All four agencies were very grateful for the funds they received.

Updated 09/05/2003 08:23 PM