Published: August 06, 2008 11:50 am      

Kickoff rally planned for area CROP walks

CUMBERLAND - With CROP walks scheduled in Cumberland, Westernport, Frostburg and Lonaconing, a kickoff rally will be held Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Centre Street United Methodist Church.

Church groups and organizations interested in participating in the 35th annual fundraiser for the Central Relief Overseas Project are invited to attend the rally.

"It's hard to believe it's time once again for our hunger walk," said Leah Marsh, who has been coordinating for Lonaconing since the CROP Walk began in 1973.

The walk provides income for the communities to purchase food for the needy, with 25 percent of the money raised for area food pantries. The remaining 75 percent goes to Church World Service, based in College Park. The Rev. Ted Ferrea attended a local CROP Walk meeting Monday held at Memorial Hospital to provide a summary of the group's accomplishments.

Church World Service helped the people of Myanmar who were devastated by a cyclone in early May and provided support to victims of the earthquake in China. Assistance also was given to flood victims in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin during the heavy spring rains.

Sandy Cowan, coordinator of the Cumberland CROP Walk, announced Oct. 12 as the date of this year's event at the Western Maryland Railway Station. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the walk scheduled for 2 p.m.

Jim Yutzy reported that Cumberland collected $9,200 last year, with thanks to Mark Sullivan and Mike Dawson of the Western Maryland Health System Employees Caring Fund for their contribution of $2,500.

Amanda Barnett and Barbara Fisher announced that the Westernport walk will be held Sept. 28 at Creekside Park. Registration will be at 1 p.m. with a 1:30 p.m. walk.

The $4,700 collected last year helped the Westernport Food Pantry, according to Bill Shimer.

This year's Frostburg walk will be held Oct. 12, starting at the Presbyterian church, according to Ed Thompson.

The Lonaconing walk is scheduled the same day starting at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian church. Marsh reported that last year's walk raised $9,700 and the George's Creek Food Pantry benefits from the donations.

The combined contributions from last year's walks totaled $25,700, according to Cowan.

Anyone interested in helping with CROP Walk can contact Cowan at (301) 722-2419 or the Rev. Bill Bice at (301) 724-5726 for Cumberland; Barnett at (304) 355-2904 for Westernport; Thompson at (301) 689-8035 for Frostburg; and Marsh at (301) 463-5669 for Lonaconing.