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Steps to stopping hunger
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
Even though Casey Brookbank turned 8 Saturday, the Prospect Elementary School second-grader was in more of a mood to give than to receive.
“We have to remember that we have it real easy, like having food and water. We’re here to honor people who have it a little harder than us,” said Casey’s mother, Mandie Brookbank of Girard.
Mandie summed up the main reason she and the family took part in Sunday’s annual CROP Walk for Hunger, which got underway at Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm St., on the North Side.
At least 300 people of all ages participated in the 5-kilometer walk, themed “Ending hunger one step at a time.” Money raised is to go to Church World Service, a 68-year-old cooperative, interfaith ministry that works with partners to eradicate poverty and hunger while promoting peace and justice worldwide.
In addition to fighting hunger, the effort is to help people better feed themselves and be more self- sufficient, including raising their own food, noted the Rev. Nora Smith, pastor of Word of God Fellowship Church in Canfield and the CROP Walk’s chairwoman.
About 25 percent of funds are returned to communities where they were raised. Locally, that money will be divided between the Catholic Charities Regional Agency, Fish Samaritan House and Protestant Family Services, she continued.
Last year’s event brought in about $13,570, the Rev. Mrs. Smith added.
An estimated 50 area churches were represented, among them Disciples Christian Church in Boardman, Poland Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown and Woodworth Church of the Brethren in North Lima.
Many people opted for the long route that included Tod Lane, Fifth, Ohio, Illinois, Wick and Park avenues on the North Side and Federal Street downtown. Others such as the Brookbanks, who attend First United Methodist Church in Girard, were content to walk around Wick Park.
“The kids often donate their birthday gifts instead of having a traditional birthday party,” Mandie explained, adding that Casey’s 11-year-old sister, Jaelyn, also encouraged the family to participate.
Accompanying Jaelyn and Casey was their father, Tim Brookbank.
Also happy to enjoy perfect weather and get a bit of exercise was Suzette Lucente, a member of Woodworth Church of the Brethren.
“We want to help local communities and raise awareness of hunger,” said Lucente, who came with her 10-year-old son, Dante Lucente, 12-year-old family friends Tyler Williams and Cody Howard, and 10-year-old Joslyn McConnell, all of whom attend Woodworth Church.
Suzette said she has taken part in the walk for many years and that all four children also have several CROP walks under their belts.
“We want to help end hunger around the world!” several of the youngsters said in unison when asked why they wanted to be part of the event.
Numerous volunteers performed duties such as registering participants. Among those providing that and other forms of guidance was the Rev. Robin Woodberry of New Bethel Baptist Church, who’s also the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches’ executive director.
A bright-colored piggy bank and a “smelly shoe” award were given to the church that brought in the most money and walkers, respectively, Mrs. Smith added.