The annual CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Muddy Run Park, 172 Bethesda Church Road West, Holtwood. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the start of the walk at 9 a.m. The event is open to members of the public of all abilities and will have activities for children who participate.

This year will mark the 43rd CROP Hunger Walk in Solanco, a tradition that was started by the Solanco Ministerium in 1980. The ministerium coordinated the event until 2006, at which point Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren took over management of the walk. Church members Mary Etta Reinhart and Don Trimble have been co-chairs of the walk for the last 16 years and have made some adjustments that included moving it to Muddy Run Park and shortening the distance from 10 miles to 5 miles. "It's been a wonderful change," said Reinhart. "The walk has been completely revamped."

The CROP Walk at Muddy Run has seen an upward trend in its community engagement and the amount of money it has raised in recent years; in 2020, it raised over $17,000, the most money raised from the walk since 1988. The goal for this year's walk is set to $18,000.

Each year, the walk features a different challenge for participants. Walkers in this year's event will receive a list of animals that they will need to spot along the course, which may be completed and exchanged for a small prize at the end of the walk.

Last year, over 70 walkers representing 13 churches participated in the CROP Walk. The event is designed to be enjoyable for everyone, and participants range from young children to senior citizens. The main route will stretch through several wooded areas; however, an alternate route that is entirely paved will be available for families with strollers and those unable to trek the wooded paths. "It's a fundraiser but also a great way to spend the morning," said Reinhart. "There's a lot of fellowship. You get to meet people from other churches and enjoy refreshments under the pavilion. A lot of people just enjoy being there with other walkers."

Each CROP Walk traditionally donates 75% of its proceeds to the Church World Service and 25% to a local nonprofit. This year, 25 percent of the funds raised will benefit Solanco Neighborhood Ministries.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/solancocropwalk.