Hubbard event puts focus on hunger in the Valley
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HUBBARD -- Rain didn't dampen the spirits of participants who came out to walk to raise funds for battling hunger in the Hubbard community.
The annual Hunger Hike was Sunday afternoon at Hubbard First Presbyterian Church, where Hubbard Christians in Action also hosted a giveaway of hygiene items and household cleaning products.
Mary Mathews-Bebech, president of Hubbard Christians in Action, said the Hunger Hike, formerly known as CROP Walk, was held in conjunction with Neighbor to Neighbor, which gave out the supplies to those in need. Bebech said the Hunger Hike raises funds locally for the Hubbard food banks.
She said the change allows all funds to stay locally since previously only about one-fourth raised was able to stay locally, and to focus efforts to address food scarcity and utility and emergency expenses for residents of Hubbard.
"All of our member churches have been giving donations internationally so we wanted a local walk, which would help the Hubbard community," Bebech said.
She said people walking could walk a 1-mile, 2-mile or 4-mile walk in the local area that included the church property and the Hubbard school track.
"People could select which walk they wanted to do. Some with small children will select the shorter walks while showing their children about giving back," Bebech said.
She said the average amount of distance of 4 miles is what it takes people in Third World countries to get to a place for food and water each day.
Bebech said the walks take place between Hubbard Grace Lutheran and Hubbard Presbyterian Church, which are near each other, with the Hubbard school campus between them.
She said because many churches and the local school have food pantries, the HCIA wanted to also provide hygiene and grooming items, and cleaning products.
"In the past we have called this a Day of Service. When we held the CROP Walk, it was usually the second Sunday in October so we kept that day for our Hunger Hike," Bebech said.
The food banks that receive items include Hubbard First Baptist Church and St. Patrick Church.
"I hope those who take part will have a sense that they are able to give back locally and help others in need as well as the awareness that there is a need to help people in Hubbard. We call it Neighbor to Neighbor because people are able to help their neighbors. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. Today we are doing both by walking and handing items out," Bebech said.
She said while there were walkers Sunday, about 15 others completed their walking at different times and locations.
Jenny Ondo of Hubbard said she took part at the event to get the word out about the need to help people.
"I have always liked to volunteer and help at events like this. I think it was a great idea to hold both events on the same day," Ondo said.
She said one of her sons hosted a food pantry for Hubbard First Presbyterian Church.
Bill Bronder of Hubbard said he walks every day so he felt to walk in the Hunger Walk would be a way to help others.
Liz Nortman of Hubbard Township said she came to the event to get items for an elderly resident.
The Rev. Marsha Parrish of Hubbard First Presbyterian Church said, "The need is there. People have to make a choice between prescriptions or food or personal hygiene items. We are helping them. People are struggling and hurting."
Hubbard Christians in Action is a group of churches that work together to help residents of the community.