A “Hunger Walk” to raise funds for the needy, sponsored by the Community Christian Service Agency, will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at DeAnza Cove, Mission Bay Park.
The event serves thousands of needy San Diegans, raising money to provide food, clothing and resources.
“The donations received from this walk enable CCSA to continue its mission of helping the singles, couples, families, seniors and those with special needs in our San Diego community that live below the poverty line,” said Jeanne McAlindin, agency vice president. “Today I woke up in a warm bed, able to take a hot shower, and I had a choice of food to eat for breakfast.”
McAlindin noted statistics reflect 15.2 percent of San Diegans live below the poverty line, adding that 25 percent of that population are children.
“Do they not deserve the choices most of us have each day?” she asked, pointing out that the agency provides food, clothing and referral assistance to other San Diego services. “The passion of the staff and volunteers of doing all we can to make a difference in the lives of those in need encourages me to continue to find more ways to serve this need in our community,” said McAlindin, who added, “Help us to take the pain of hunger away.”
Event registration begins at 7 a.m., with the walk commencing at 8 a.m. The first 200 walkers will receive a free white T-shirt with “CCSA” in blue lettering. They may opt to receive one of 100 coupons for free children’s meals at Chili’s or 100 coupons for free chips and salsa at Chili’s. Each walker will also receive a free ticket for the raffle prizes.
There is no set registration fee, but walkers are encouraged to solicit donations to the service agency from family members, friends and neighbors. During the walk, participants will learn how the service agency helps meet the needs of the hungry in San Diego County.
The agency operates Pacific Beach Center, whose nurses perform first aid for the needy and give referrals to other medical services. The center has an urgent need for clothes for children 5 and older and an immediate need for men’s pants (waist 30-34) and reading glasses (150+). The center is also low on hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, razors, small-size shaving cream dispensers and toothpaste. Also needed are men’s socks, men’s underwear, men’s pants (32-34 medium), small fruit cups and individual peanut butter, snack bars, juice and water.
PB resident and service agency board member Larry Emlaw, who photographs the hunger walk each year, said, “It’s an honor to work with the wonderful people at the center. These people do amazing things from this little tiny space in an alley with a volunteer nurse. I just feel privileged to be working with these very dedicated people.”
The public is invited to stay after the walk for refreshments, a raffle drawing and music from St. Brigid’s Contemporary Choir. For more information, visit ccsasandiego.org.