Families of all kinds will take part in the 18th Annual Foothills CROP Hunger Walk coming up Sunday, October 21, 1-3 P.M., in Clement Park.

The event is a tradition in Jefferson County, and a grassroots effort by local citizens. It connects them with local citizens in many other communities around the world. Even in years when residents of the county have experienced terrible tragedy, such as the shootings at Columbine and Platte Canyon high schools, the walk has continued with the goal of simply helping others.

Among the families who will take part are larger 'families' such as congregations, service groups, and school groups. They will gather at the Grant Amphitheater at Clement Park at 1 P.M. to enjoy music and educational activities. Many will bring nonperishable items to contribute to a food drive, which will benefit Open Arms Food Bank this year. An hour later, the crowd will walk together the 5k course around Clement Park.

Prior to the day of the walk, the walkers will collect pledges in person or online. (Walkers who collect 14 sponsors or raise $200 will get a t-shirt on the day of the walk, which they can wear proudly.) Go to www.cropwalk.org to sign up online.

CROP Walks have a very good rating from Charity Navigator. The money they goes to work in Colorado, other parts of the U.S., and in 80 other countries around the world through Church World Service (CWS).

Twenty five percent of the money raised during the walk stays in Colorado and benefits charities such as Jeffco Action Center.

CWS works to eradicate hunger, help people with social and economic development, aid refugees, assist victims of disasters short and long term, and more. CWS partners with indigenous groups on the ground in the various countries who, many times, propose their own projects. Therefore, the people are wholly invested in the projects and in helping their own communities.