Hunger and poverty are rampant in our world, and something can and must be done about them. Our local CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk is a great place to start. On Sunday, September 14 at 1 PM, the West Parish Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, will be sponsoring the Third Annual Bethel Area CROP Hunger Walk. Participants of all ages will be walking three miles through the town of Bethel raising funds to change the world in real and measurable ways -- digging wells that will bring clean water to villages; providing seeds and tools so that people can grow their own food; helping communities and families rebuild after disaster. Whether it is responding to the devastating floods on the Gulf Coast or the cyclone in Burma, CROP Hunger Walks are making a difference. CROP Hunger Walk funds benefit the overall work of Church World Service -- working in some 80 countries to help those in need help themselves through refugee assistance, self-help development programs, advocacy, and disaster relief.

Twenty five percent of what we raise will go to the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston that donates to the District Exchange, our local food pantry. So please mark your calendars and come CROP Walk with us! Together -- with your family, group, or congregation -- we can walk to change the world, one step at a time. The walk is three miles long, starting and ending at West Parish Congregational Church. One may participate by walking and soliciting pledges in advance from family, friends, colleagues, etc. There is no fee to participate. People who do not want to walk may pledge a walker. Walkers will also register to receive their pledges online at www.cropwalkonline.org. People who do not attend the potluck may contact Christine Trefethen directly at 836-2164 or treflist@megalink.net for forms and information. To learn more about CROP walk go to http://www.churchworldservice.org/CROP/index.html