Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Williams/TCJ – Don and Chris Root represented the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the 2025 CROP Walk and answered questions about the organization’s work in the area.)

There is one Charlotte effort that can prove it is the cream of the crop when it comes to fund-raising.

The Charlotte Area CROP Hunger Walk, now in its 43rd year, has been named in the top 100 walks in the country for two years in a row. More than 500 Walks were held across the country last year.

As times challenge all people, from the neediest to the well-provided for, the Charlotte area continues to support a global effort, that pays off locally too. The Walks are part of Church World Services and have been raising funds to not only feed but provide the needs for people to feed themselves, survive, and provide for their families for decades, since World War II.

Locally, 25% of funds raised goes to Helping Hands Food Pantry, SIREN/Eaton Shelter and  the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Last year, more than $25,000 was raised, coordinated by a group of a half-dozen or so dedicated women.

Charlotte resident Barb Myckowiak has been co-chair and chair of the local walk for 19 years. The first walk was in 1984, coordinated by the Rev. Robert Freysinger. In total, more than $550,00 has been raised over the years.

Why does she believe in the CROP Walk? “I feel that what we do makes a difference. Most of us don’t know real hunger and I can’t imagine my grandchildren going to bed hungry,” she said.

Work is done on the walk year-round but ramps up in August as volunteers gather to get ready for the event, the first Sunday of October each year, Oct. 4 at Bennett Park this year.

About a dozen churches, two dozen businesses, walkers, and their sponsors were involved last year.

The groups also holds fund-raisers through Applebee’s, Culvers, Cravings popcorn and other venues. Volunteers will walk in the Frontier Days Parade in Charlotte to remind folks that the Walk is less than days away by then.

For now, supporters and interested volunteers will gather on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Area District Library Spartan Room to plan the work at hand. Items from signs to volunteer work times to contacting potential donors and walkers will be discussed. Anyone who might be interested in this effort to assist others is welcome to attend.

For years, the almost 3-mile walk has been supported by the Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church with a rest stop along the way. Bagpiper Jenni Leckrone sends off the walkers, and church congregations, families and others make the big, or the 1-mile walk in solidarity with others who walk for their food, water and work.

Donors do not have to walk, but it makes the event more festive with more people, Myckowiak said. Refreshments will also be available at Bennett Park, as well as applause for the finishers.

For information about the Walk or the  Aug. 11 meeting, contact organizers at charlotteareacrophungerwalk@gmail.com.

The group is also sponsoring a fund-raiser at Applebee’s in Charlotte, Monday, September 14.