ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Walking to fight hunger all across the country, CROP walks are bringing people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds together.<\/p>\n
“When there’s one person in our community that’s hurting, it can bring us all down,” said Pastor Joanne Marchetto with The Barn.<\/p>\n
These participants are on the front lines of the fight.<\/p>\n
“One day I was practicing the piano, and I started feeling guilty that I had the time and the ability to play the piano when some people just struggle to stay alive, struggle to get food. So, I’ve been involved with hunger ministries since then,” said Dianne Kareha, one of the Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk coordinators.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It does stay local right here. It helps our Allentown food bank, and our church donates to that on a regular basis. We have people that go there and work as volunteers,” explained Linda Held, who also serves as a coordinator for the walk.<\/p>\n
The Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk gets food on the plates of our neighbors in need. It’s a need that’s becoming more evident.<\/p>\n
“I get calls every day from people who don’t have enough food to eat right here in Allentown,” said Marchetto.<\/p>\n
Last year, this walk helped the Lehigh Conference of Churches serve 75,000 meals, and the Allentown Ecumenical Food Bank provide food to 52,000 people.<\/p>\n
“We are hoping to make a difference, to help our neighbors in need,” said Kareha.<\/p>\n
Whether lacing up their sneakers for the 10k or walking the golden mile, participants are keeping the reason behind the walk in mind.<\/p>\n
“I think doing something like this and fighting against hunger does really uplift the community,” said Jack Marchetto, a 4-year participant.<\/p>\n
“I wanted to help the community. You know, it’s a big thing for me. People who need help get it,” said first-time participant Michael Pipines. “That’s why I would like to do it again next year.”<\/p>\n