WEEDSPORT - For nearly 25 residents, Sunday's CROP Walk was a chance to put a plate filled with food on a stranger's table as well as a way to recognize the struggles people all over the world endure in order to satisfy their own hunger.

Whether they were running or walking, several Weedsport-area residents from several of the village's churches participated in their annual CROP Walk to raise money for local food pantries as well as international food organizations.

“We walk because they walk,” said the Rev. Valerie White, of Weedsport's First United Methodist Church, as she referred to the millions of people all over the world who are forced to walk for miles in order to find food or water. “That's why we don't allow Rollerblades or scooters. These people here today are trying to walk in solidarity with those who absolutely don't have anything. It's about showing our concern for them.”

With the economic recession affecting families locally as well as globally, 25 percent of the funds raised during this year's walk will be divided between local food pantries while the rest will support international food efforts, White said.

As she signed up for the event, Darlene Dolph said the walk was not only a chance to spend time with her teenage daughters but also a way to contribute to the community.

“It's a good feeling knowing that you are helping people who need it cause there are hungry people in our community,” said Dolph, who is a member of Weedsport's First United Methodist Church.

Depending on the type of challenge participants wanted, a short 1.4 mile course took people for a stroll along the village's streets while a five-mile course gave others a chance to see the area's countryside.

“It's beautiful out there,” said Mary Friesen, a member of Weedsport's First United Methodist Church, as she prepared to jog the five-mile course. “I like to do this because it helps the community. Usually I do the long course and I will run or jog it depending on the weather.”

With people of all ages participating despite the afternoon's cloudy skies, White said the event will continue again next year despite smaller than expected attendance this year.

“It's encouraging to see all these people come out,” White said. “It's an annual event and we will continue to do it with all the local churches.”

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net

Upcoming CROP Walks

Sunday Oct. 18

• Auburn - 1 p.m. at Cayuga Community College, Franklin Street, Auburn

• Aurora - 1:30 p.m. at United Ministry Church, Main Street, Auburn

• Jordan-Elbridge - 1:30 p.m. at Elbridge Community Church, East Main Street, Elbridge

• Moravia - 12:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, Church Street, Moravia

• Skaneateles - 12:30 p.m. at Community Center, State Street, Skaneateles