Thanks for helping CROP Walk

A very successful CROP Walk was held on March 12. A hearty 435 walkers raised over $42,000 to assist Church World Service in its efforts to alleviate hunger and despair in poverty pockets in the world. Also, 25 percent of the money will assist these five local charities: Conejo Valley Meals on Wheels, Westlake Meals on Wheels, Manna Food Bank, Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities.

Many volunteers and generous donations motivated the enthusiasm for the success of this event. California Lutheran University opens their campus each year for the send off to our CROP Walk.

Local grocery stories Vons, Ralphs, Albertsons and especially Trader Joes donated water for our walkers who traveled a 6.5-mileroute.

The Morgan family, and Michelle Atherson and Hilary Morefield from Girl Scout Troop No. 584 in Newbury Park helped run the water and restroom stops at St. Paschal Baylon Church and the Christian Church of Thousand Oaks.

Thousand Oaks Amateur Radio Club secured the safety of our walkers.

Sunkist donated orange slices as a finish line treat.

The Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Conejo Valley Community Church and Connection Builders Club of Los Cerritos assisted us with donations for Tshirt giveaways.

St. Patrick's Episcopal Church provides a place each year for our orientation breakfast in January.

All of you made a difference in our CROP Walk this year.

Many groups are having a food drive during March and April. The number of items donated and reported to me will help CROP efforts to receive a portion of a million dollar giveaway by philanthropist Alan Feinstein.

My sincere appreciation goes to all my "deputies" who spread the word for CORP. They did a great job in rounding up walkers to participate. Hearty applause goes to all the walkers and especially Rose Balding, 92 years young and who brings in close to $2,000 in donations every year. And a whirlwind effort by the members and walkers of Trinity Lutheran Church brought in over $7,000.

Thank you and I hope to see all volunteers and walkers, plus your friends, next year on March 13 for the 2007 CROP Walk. Sherrill Hyink CROP Walk coordinator