SNOHOMISH — Pat Sanvik has seen hunger and poverty around the world. Now, she’s taking steps to do something about it.
Sanvik is helping to organize the 17th annual Snohomish CROP Hunger Walk. It is set for 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 12.
People will start and finish the five-mile walk at First Presbyterian Church of Snohomish. Registration is free and begins 30 minutes before the walk. There is also a one-mile route. Organizers hope walkers will bring in donations to help fight hunger here and across the world.
Snohomish joins some 2,000 other cities across the nation in putting on a CROP Walk. Stanwood and Camano Island had one late last month.
The events raise money for Church World Service, which operates assistance programs in some 40 countries. A quarter of the money brought in stays in the local communities.
The Snohomish walk is organized by nine local churches. They work together to recruit people and take turns hosting the walk.
“It’s a great opportunity for members of other churches to get to know each other and develop the comradery that strengthens our community bonds,” Sanvik said.
The portion of money raised that will be contributed locally goes toward the Snohomish Community Kitchen, which provides more than 200 meals for those in need each week. Several Snohomish churches take turns preparing and serving the food. The kitchen serves meals from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
“Snohomish has seen more people on the streets,” Sanvik said. “There are people in great need.”
Over the past 16 years, the walks have brought in $144,200, with more than $33,000 going to the Snohomish food bank.
This year, the 16-member CROP Walk committee hopes to recruit 125 walkers and raise $12,500. Sanvik said the community kitchen relies on that money. She’s also seen it translate into assistance abroad.
While she was teaching and doing mission work overseas, Sanvik saw how Church World Service helps people who are suffering from poverty and hunger. It has agriculture, food security and income generation programs.
Sanvik and her husband, Steffen, spent 20 years working as international teachers. They lived in Singapore, Japan, Norway and the Philippines.
Sanvik lives in Lake Stevens and attends First Presbyterian Church in Snohomish. She’s been involved with the CROP Walk for the past decade.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out and exercise while helping others,” she said.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
Learn more
For more information, call Pat Sanvik at 425-760-9540 or email her at steffpatsanvik@comcast.net.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
