The Carbon County CROP Walk, a fundraiser to raise money in support of awareness of worldwide hunger, was held this Sunday at Riverview Park in East Penn Township.

The CROP Hunger Walks is a nationwide organization that holds events throughout the United States with the same goal in mind. The CROP Hunger Walk is a 55-year-old movement, with walks held in over 500 communities.

Walkers were challenged with a 4.5-mile southbound walk, starting at the gate near the boat launch pavilion and making their way along the historic D&L Trail. Walkers had the choice of completing the entire 4.5-mile trek or branching out onto several different paths to return to the boat launch area.

Pastor Tony Pagotto, of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton, was among those leading the way along the walk.

“Anyone is welcome to join the walk. Several CROP Walk supporters couldn’t make it today, so they decided to make donations online, which can be done at any time. We’re here to raise funds and awareness to help CROP out hunger,” Pagotto said.

Pagotto added that the hunger walk was going strong before COVID in 2020, but “lost a bit of steam due to the pandemic.” Now event supporters, like Pagotto and his congregation, are doing their part to build the event back up and continue to gain support for the worthy cause.

Long-time CROP Walk supporter Shirley Radler echoed the sentiment of Pastor Pagotto stating how she was happy to help support a good cause.

“Before the CROP Walk was formally organized, several churches got together and walked 6 miles in Lehighton, starting at the amphitheater,” Radler said.

Approximately 75% of the proceeds of the Lehighton area CROP Walk go toward Trinity Lutheran Pantry in Lehighton, with the rest being donated to church services. The church helps support hunger-eradicating causes worldwide.

The CROP Hunger Walk Organization’s motto is that no one in this world should be hungry.

If you’re interested in getting involved with future CROP Walk events, visit the website at https://events.crophungerwalk.org/crophungerwalks.