41st Walk Starts a 5th Decade of Walking to END HUNGER

 

Oct. 17th dawned bright and sunny, with a strong breeze blowing across the front lawn of Red Bank Regional High School where banners were hung up to announce our 41st Red Bank Crop Hunger Walk Day! 

As volunteers began arriving, a tent stood ready to receive unknown quantities of food staples. This was the start of our 5th decade of walking and raising funds and food to help end hunger right here in Monmouth County and through partners across the US and in many countries that assist those in need of a helping hand. Red Bank Crop Walk makes much of the work of Church World Service possible.  

This year after Covid 19 shut down most schools, businesses, and activities around our area for so long, folks were ready to come out and see each other face to face, with masks on, and there were a lot of smiling faces and greetings as the crowd built up.

First to arrive of the large food collections was a huge truck with Rumson Country Day staff and one bright eyed 7th grader named Grady, started to unload.  Food just kept coming off the truck, more than a ton of rice, beans, peanut butter, and soup. A bit later another 1700 plus pounds arrived from Oak Hill Academy.The team of 21 students from Christian Brothers Academy got to work. CBA has been part of CROP Walk since 1984 and RCDS since 1986. Oak Hill joined in the early 1990’s and all have been loyal supporters of this ministry all through the decades.  Our 15 Crop partner programs and a number of local pantries benefit from this huge drive, and it is a scene to behold! 15,000 lbs. 

Across the lawn on clotheslines and windows of the school’s new addition, some wonderful art began to appear.  From tiny posters drawn by 1st graders at OHA to large mural banners from RB Regional and RCDS and a very large number of Trinity Hall artworks were added to the scene. These depict different aspects of hunger as this year’s theme is High Five for 5 Decades!

At this early point about $68,000 has come in online to add to the funds provided by our loyal sponsors each year, and envelopes that are used by all ages to raise money. Online, sponsor donations and day of walk envelopes total $117,000 so far. 

You can also contact us to purchase CROP Gear, including caps, aprons, wine bags, backpacks, travel zips, and grocery totes. Remember the holidays are coming and these make charming and useful gifts ($5-$10).  Linda Ensor, Teen Advisor for CROP Walk this year, had students producing these at Shore Regional High School with CRICUT technology, and they all learned a new skill. Teen leaders came from 15 high schools around this area for Walk #41.  

The WAG band started playing with us during our fourth decade, and they donate their skills through Musicians on a Mission, so check out their website and program event calendar for music venues. On Sunday the Rev. Janet Jones of AME Zion Church in Red Bank, gave a rousing reason and purpose for walking to end hunger and reaching out to those in need. Then all the participants headed down to do the victory lap, and our sign man, Dave Hermanson, cut the tape and they were off. 

Red Bank Reg Key Club and National Honor Society cheered the walkers passing by with signs and good spirits.While individuals, church, school, and community groups did smaller walks during the week before; they all joined together for a celebration lap around the grounds of Red Bank Regional Hgh School. Back for ice cream and Italian ice, and apples, donated by Ritas of Eatontown, Super Foodtown of Red Bank, Sickles Market, and Delicious Orchards. 

Thanks to all who participated this year. 

It is not too late to contribute as our year ends in late December. You can still donate to this year's walk.

crophungerwalk.org/redbanknj/ 

Janie Schildge, 2021 Coordinator