CROP Walkers Take Steps Against Hunger

For the 19th year, Valley residents on Sunday will don their walking shoes to fight hunger in their neighborhoods and around the world.

Organizers are hoping that CROP Walk ’96 will attract 600 participants and raise $20,000. CROP stands for Communities Reaching Out to People. The walks, which will take place across the country, are being organized by Church World Service, a New York-based group that raises funds for hunger relief.

The walk, held in 2,000 locations nationwide, raised $15 million last year.

Last year’s local walk drew 300 participants and raised $17,000, of which 75% was given to groups to fight hunger abroad. The remaining 25% went to two programs overseen by the the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council. The group’s Food Pantry Coalition and Meals on Wheels both assist hungry people in the Valley.

The 10K and 2K events will begin at Congregational Church of the Chimes, 14115 Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Registration is at 12:30 p.m. and the walk begins at 1 p.m.

For walk or sponsor information, call Richard Watson (818) 349-6687 or Arlene Landon at (818) 718-6460, Ext. 3002.