For over six decades, CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) has been a major response of Church World Service to hunger throughout the world.  The Greater Indianapolis CROP Walk has been raising funds to fight local and world-wide hunger for almost 30 years.  Now, thanks to the internet, we have many more opportunities to fight hunger. 

Uses of the internet to solicit donations are limited only by your own imagination. Some ideas to consider, besides the ability to arrange donations from anyone, anywhere in the world:

• set up a team "in memory of..." or "in honor of..." key leaders past or present, or any special people in your life or community.
• invite congregational members to sign on to seek support even though they may not be walking themselves but will have proxy walker (someone else who will walk for them).
• participating congregations or organizations with websites could include a link to the onsite pledging page

Since our first Walk in 1980, we have enjoyed the company and participation of Anabel Hartman (here with son Worth Hartman in 2004)

Photo Courtesy Art Hansen

Walkers cover a designated route beginning and ending at the Christian Theological Seminary on 42nd Street near Michigan Rd. (near Butler University).  Indianapolis area congregations of all faiths, civic groups and other organizations, as well as individual walkers are invited to participate. Sign-up envelopes for gathering pledges will be available closer to the walk time within participating groups. Recruiters for each group will be picking up solicitation and promotional materials prior to the walk on our 
Material Pick-Up Days
 

Walkers hike through the Butler-Tarkington area -- rain or shine!

The funds collected by the walkers from their sponsors are channeled through Church World Service to fight hunger around the world. In 2008 over 1000 walkers raised almost $125,000.for Church World Service and other overseas programs. CWS provides grants equivalent to 25 percent of the total collected in our CROP Walk to local organizations involved in the fight against hunger. Sponsors of walkers may designate to an overseas organization other than Church World Service. 
 

A great way for friends to do something together to fight hunger  (Walkers from Speedway Christian)

Water stops will be located along the 3.2 mile route, and Portable toilets are available along the route and at the start/finish. Participants are entertained at the start/finish with music, and are greeted by our cheerleaders upon completing the walk.   Walkers raising $250 or more receive a special thank you gift.
 

Your four legged friends are welcome, if they remember to bring their leashes.  And we'll make sure there's a drink for them at our water stops.

Photo Courtesy Kathy Hansen

Walkers register from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. and they start walking immediately, setting their own pace. Baby strollers/prams, wagons with children, and wheelchairs are welcome at the CROP Walk, but, for safety reasons, skateboards, scooters, roller and in-line skates, tricycles, and bicycles are not allowed.  Dogs and other pets are welcomed but must be on leash or otherwise controlled.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
 

Our fully accessible route enables Walkers using necessary wheels to fully participate such as this team from John Knox Presbyterian

For more information about walking or to get your group involved, 
contact the Indianapolis CROP Walk office at 923-2938.

 

 

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Except as noted, all CROP Walk photos on this page: Sue Bates, Indianapolis, IN.