On Sunday, May 4, members of area Grand Rapids, Mich., Christian Reformed churches participated in Access of West Michigan’s annual hunger walk. People from Eastern Avenue CRC, Sherman Street CRC, and Calvin CRC joined over 750 other walkers and 100 volunteers in the annual 5k event.
“We had a great turnout on the beautifully sunny, although very windy, afternoon,” said Access development and communications coordinator Shelly Smit.
Access is a nonprofit organization that creates a hub for congregations to engage with the needs of the surrounding community. Other organizations that fight hunger depend on Access’s coordination efforts to help host the event. They are the recipients of the funds raised.
“Access of West Michigan creates specific task forces to reach out to interested congregations and create contacts,” said Smit. “Then the congregation puts together a team of walkers and puts the information in bulletins and announcements.”
The hunger walk, hosted every year in May, allows churches to get together and get involved, to connect organizations with churches to make a significant change.
We are well on our way to reaching our goal to raise $120,000, said Smit about this year’s fundraising, “but we won’t have a grand total yet because money trickles in during May.”
About the Author
Kristin Schmitt is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Hudsonville, Michigan.