CLARE COUNTY CROP WALK OFFERS YOUTH CHALLENGE

   The Clare County CROP Hunger Walk Committee is challenging all high school clubs and organizations in Clare County.  A traveling plaque and pizza on the house at Buccilli’s Pizza in Clare will be given to the youth group with the highest average in donations to CROP among members walking.

   Youth club members must join in the CROP Walk to alleviate hunger along with other walkers on Sunday, September 27.  Registration is at 1:30 p.m. and the walk starts at 2 p.m.  Each year the plaque will be passed on to the highest achieving youth club. Letters have been sent to the three high schools, but all youth organizations are welcome to participate. 

   For children up to and including 12 years, McDonald’s Restaurant of Clare is again offering meal gift certificates for the three children raising the most funds among this age group.  There will be a gift certificate provided by Johnston’s Elevator for $10 for the top dog walking with their owner or caregiver and raising the most funds among canines participating.  Dogs, as all other participants, must have a sponsor record completed for them.

   The CROP Walk Committee wants to stress that community members at large, as well as community organizations, may nominate the grand marshal for this 2009 walk, celebrating 25 years of CROP Walks to help hungry people.  The nomination on a half sheet of paper should list the outstanding contributions the nominee has made to the organization and community, and include a one paragraph commentary and picture.                                                     Send the nomination to Grand Marshall Selection Committee, C/O Sandra Campbell, 502 John Street, Clare, MI 48617. 

   The Grand Marshall will be selected from an independent committee of 3-5 people from outside Clare County.  Nomination letters should be postmarked no later than August 27.

   CROP Walks are a fundraising tool of Church World Service, which provides emergency and disaster relief, and development to help raise people out of poverty.  Twenty-five percent of the funds raised stays in Clare County, and will be divided equally between the Clare County Food Pantry, the Clare County Baby Pantry, and the Hard Times Café. 

   Volunteers are needed especially this year to make this walk outstanding.  Please contact Sandra Campbell, 386-3754, or Jane Murton, 386-6041, with questions or to volunteer.