Reverend Matt Crebbin, senior pastor of Newtown Congregational Church, greeted CROP Hunger Walk participants in front of NYA Sports & Fitness Center on Sunday, October 15.For more information about the CROP Hunger Walk and to find ways to donate, visit crophungerwalk.org and newtownctchurch.org.

The annual CROP Hunger Walk, sponsored by Church World Services, is hosted by local houses of worship. It is open to community members of all ages and faiths, who join together in hopes of helping end worldwide hunger and poverty.

Those participating walk 2.5 miles, representing how far many people in developing countries must venture in order to gain access to necessary food, water, and fuel and go to market.

Participants who registered for Sunday's CROP Hunger Walk also received stickers saying "Help CROP, Stop Hunger," which were passed out by young Mariam Bhavnagarwala of Newtown's Al Hedaya Islamic Center.

Rev Crebbin said that in addition to the group of nearly 25 walkers who participated in this year's event, which returned to the campus of Fairfield Hills, many other local do-gooders had already joined together at various times to walk and support the cause.

All the proceeds raised from Newtown's CROP Hunger Walk will go on to help those facing hunger and poverty in local communities, as well as those in need around the world.