Downers Grove to Host 27th Annual CROP Walk for Hunger

Hundreds of walkers will take over the streets of Downers Grove on Sunday for the 27th Annual South DuPage CROP Walk for Hunger.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4501 Main St. The purpose is to raise money to support hunger and poverty alleviation programs throughout the world through Church World Service (CWS).

All CROP Hunger Walks operate as an arm of CWS, so 25 percent of the money raised will be distributed to local hunger relief agencies. 

In 2011, the South DuPage CROP Hunger Walk raised more than $27,000, bringing the total amount collected to more than $600,000.

More than $150,000 has been distributed to hunger relief agencies in Downers Grove and other nearby communities. This year, local recipients include: The Walk-in Ministry of Hope, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Westmont People's Resource Center, Downers Grove FISH, Lisle Township Food Pantry, West Suburban Community Pantry, First Congregational/UCC Downers Grove PADS, First United Methodist Downers Grove PADS, St Mary's PADS and Meals on Wheels.

Check-in and registration opens at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, with the walkers stepping off for the 6K route at 2 p.m. Registered runners are also welcome.

In addition to fundraising, participants are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item, which will be collected for the Westmont People's Resource Center. 

For more information go to dgfumc.org/cropwalk. 

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