Since 1979, long-time Holden residents Jim Keevan and his mother Carol-Ann have participated in Holden’s CROP Hunger Walk. Jim was just 12 years old at his first Walk. Over the years, he and his wife Kelly and their children have made the CROP Walk a Keevan family event. 

After 47 years, Jim has yet to miss the annual fundraiser that addresses hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster relief through just and sustainable responses, and this year will be no different. “I enjoy the feeling of happiness shared by a group of people,” said Keevan, “some familiar and many unknown to me who are all walking together for a good cause…the fact that churches all over the country are participating in their own CROP Walks adds to that feeling of belonging to a world-wide community with a goal of supporting others in finding ways to live where they are.”

The first CROP Project started after World War II in 1947 to help end hunger and food insecurity. U.S. farmers were asked to donate food and seed crops that were sent to countries in post-war Europe and Asia. 

Over the years, the initiative grew into CROP Hunger Walks, which are community-based fundraising events held across the U.S. The first walks took place in Bismarck, North Dakota (1969), and York, Pennsylvania (1970). Holden joined the effort in 1979.

Congregants from Holden’s First Baptist, First Congregational, St. Francis, Chaffin, and Emmanuel Lutheran, as well as congregants from Worcester’s Unitarian Universalist and St. Spyridon Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church, have joined together in a fund-raising effort to support the global mission of Church World Service, a faith-based organization, to eradicate hunger and poverty. 

Kathy Mills served as the CROP Walk coordinator in 1988 and then became treasurer in 1994. She currently holds both positions for all the participating congregations. When asked why she is so committed, Mills said, “I organize our local walk because I have seen firsthand that Church World Service changes lives. I’ve traveled from Central America to Eastern Europe to see the projects they support, where they work with local agencies to help communities help themselves. But what makes it even better is the local impact. Twenty-five percent of everything we raise stays right here in Worcester County to support three of our own food pantries.” Those food pantries are  Loaves and Fishes, Mustard Seed, and South Worcester Neighborhood Center.

Over the years, millions of dollars have been raised globally. Holden alone has contributed $440,00. By the year 2028, which will be Holden’s 50th anniversary of CROP Walks, the goal is to reach half a million dollars. 

According to Keevan, “There is a lot of hunger and poverty out in the world, and these CROP walks let me be a part of a positive solution, just as Jesus commanded.”

The event kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 346 Shrewsbury St. in Holden. Walkers will register and begin the 5-mile loop from Emmanuel Lutheran to the First Congregational Church at 1180 Main St. At this halfway point they can take a break, use the facilities, grab a bottle of water, and enjoy light refreshments. Two vans will drive to and from each destination to watch for anyone who needs to bow out and drive them back to Emmanuel Lutheran.

After the walk, participants will enjoy musical entertainment from the group Hit the Bus and a light meal consisting of soup and bread.

Walkers do not need to belong to any of the congregations to participate or donate. People of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to join the fun and make new friends.

Donations may be made by cash or check on the day of the event at Emmanuel Lutheran or online at events.crophungerwalk.org/chw/home. For more information, go to cwsglobal.org/ or call Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 508.829.4416. W