Chatsworth : Walk to Raise Funds for Hunger Relief

Hoping to focus attention on the continuing problem of hunger, organizers have announced a benefit 10K walk to take place Sunday in Chatsworth.

Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn will serve as grand marshal for this year’s Crop Walk, said volunteer coordinator Walter Burch.

Sponsoring the event is the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council and Church World Service.

In addition to the usual 10K route, a 2K walk also will be available, Burch said.

The tradition began in 1946 when farmers nationwide sent food to postwar Europe, Burch explained. Since then, it has evolved into an annual walk to raise money for hunger-relief efforts all over the world.

“It’s symbolic because a good part of the world has to walk for their food,” he said.

In the Valley, 25% of the funds raised through walker sponsorships will go to the Interfaith Council’s Meals on Wheels program and Food Pantry Coalition. The remaining amount will be donated to several charities.

Hearn will salute participants at 12:45 p.m. at the starting point, St. Stephen Presbyterian Church at 20121 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. Both walks will begin at 1 p.m. and a “sag” wagon will be available to pick up weary walkers along the routes, Burch said.

Scheduled just four days before Thanksgiving, organizers hope that the 20th-anniversary event will remind people that hunger is still a problem in many regions--including the Valley--and that everyone can be a part of the solution.

“It’s our time to pause and say, ‘Let’s try to do something about this,’ ” Burch said.

Walk-up registration will take place in the church’s parking lot beginning at noon Sunday and there is no cost to participate. For more information, call (818) 832-3333.