Second Annual 3K Walk to Feed the Hungry is A Success

Second Annual 3K Walk to Feed the Hungry is A Success

by Ken Orton

In mutual cooperation, the administrations of three local states, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, all signed proclamations, officially declaring the period of 15-29 September 2013 as The Day to Serve and as a time to initiate activities that would assist the poor in our area and combat hunger. One of the more successful activities held was a 3K Walk (1.8 miles) on Saturday, 28 September, originating from Robinson Secondary School in the Burke area of Fairfax County through the shaded streets and past the manicured yards of the local neighborhood. Food donations from the participants were distributed to the local food banks.

This wholesome early morning family activity began with a short kick off ceremony with Dave Meyer, Fairfax City Councilman, and Dave Marsden, State Senator for our area in Fairfax County, both present for support. Representatives of both the Ecumenical Community for Helping Others (ECHO) and the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) were also there to support the effort. Ms. Jane Curtis of ECHO provided opening comments and expressed appreciation for the support provided in their efforts to support our needy.  Frank McLeskey, representing the Lamb Center, offered an opening prayer at the starting ceremony to initiate the walk. Over 50 Boy Scouts from several scout troops lined the route and were present at the numerous turning points to insure walkers didn’t wander off course into the neighborhood. Participants included families with young ones in strollers, toddlers, teenagers, joggers, dog walkers, and numerous “seniors”. Following the completion of the walk, after all walkers had reported in, the boy scouts all gathered to present the colors and sang the national anthem as a closing finale.

Other groups providing greatly appreciated community support included the Knights of Columbus who assisted loading the collected food, and CostCo, which made a donation of water provided to participants at the water station along the route. In addition, there were over 30 missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on hand to control parking, support route control, and man the water station. Fairfax County Auxiliary Police provided 2 volunteer officers and patrol vehicles to insure safety at the route crossings on Sideburn Road. Over 600+ participants contributed 1300 pounds of food that was immediately distributed to the several food banks.

Even though Fairfax County is a relatively well to do area, there are many in our midst who are in a daily struggle in the current economy to provide for their families and to make ends meet. Because we will always try to assist one another, there are numerous organizations that exist to support those in need. All are encouraged to seek out opportunities to contribute and assist those less fortunate. While it is impossible to assist all in need, it is certainly possible to make a difference by deciding to volunteer to serve one another through the numerous organizations that exist to make a difference. We encourage all to search their hearts and commit to do so.