Mid-Valley Hunger Walk Needs Volunteer Help

Volunteers are being sought for the third annual Mid-Valley Hunger Walk on Oct. 15, beginning and ending at First United Methodist Church in El Monte.

The El Monte walk, supported by 15 churches this year, is part of a nationwide effort conducted in 27 cities under the auspices of Church World Service, an ecumenical organization, walk spokeswoman Dianne McLauchlin said.

Individuals pledge a sum for each mile the walkers finish of the 10-kilometer (six-mile) route or can make a direct donation.

The designated route will cover residential and commercial areas of El Monte, as well as areas served by Inter Faith Community Outreach, a ministry that provides food, clothing, medical care and counseling to the areas’ homeless and indigent.

Every two miles, a rest stop with refreshments will be provided for the walkers.

Seventy-five percent of the proceeds from the walk will go to Church World Services to benefit the hungry overseas, and 25% will go to a local agency. The Mid-Valley Walk will give its portion of the proceeds to IFCO.

In El Monte, 126 walkers raised $7,000 last year. Nationally, 3.1 million walkers raised $12.7 million.

Individuals can get involved through one of the 15 supporting churches, or by contacting Pat Huffman, walk coordinator, at (818) 579-0108 or (818) 447-7158.