Walk for Hunger

January 13, 2005 - Plans are in the works to re-establish the local Walk for Hunger, according to Bob Champagne, President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, who is leading the planning effort along with Jodi Breidel, Executive Director of WHEAT, Dr. Theresa Kane, volunteer President of the WHEAT Board of Directors, and Rev. Paula Feltcher, President of the Item Appeal. The 5-mile walk is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 28, 2005, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s gym. The walk will follow the same route as the annual Tribute Road race.

The Walk for Hunger is being sponsored by St. Vincent De Paul, WHEAT, and the Item Appeal. The three independent organizations work collaboratively to serve Clinton, Bolton, Berlin, Boylston, Lancaster and Sterling with emergency food, housing, furniture, clothing, fuel assistance, utilities and a host of other needs for low-income residents. All agree that due to the increased needs of families and children in the area, the walk will raise important funds that will help ensure that no families go hungry. Proceeds will go to the WHEAT Food Pantry, St. Vincent De Paul, The Item Appeal, The Community Café, and the James 2:15 senior lunch program.

Rev. Fletcher stated that the Walk for Hunger was an annual event for 7 years, but the last local Walk for Hunger was held in 1998. The combination of increased need and growing interest in renewing the walk prompted the groups to join forces to re-establish the event as a concrete way that the community can join together to help their neighbors. Walkers ask their family and friends to pledge donations and then enjoy the 5-mile walk to earn them. Runners, wheelchairs, and baby strollers are also welcome. There will be prizes, a raffle, and light refreshments served at the end of the race.

Sponsors are needed to help defray any expenses so that 100% of the money raised can go directly to fund the local food programs. Volunteers are also needed to help with registration and to wait along the walk route to distribute water. The group is soliciting items from local businesses and restaurants to be used as raffles and prizes. Anyone interested in assisting in any capacity can call WHEAT at 978-365-6349. Leave your name and number and someone will contact you. As plans are finalized, more information on the walk will be forthcoming.