Broome church council announces annual CHOW Walk

The Broome County Council of Churches has announced that it is inviting both veteran and new volunteer walkers to participate in the 30th CHOW Hunger Walk, which will be held Sunday, October 21.

Hundreds of walkers, including dozens of churches, youth groups and community organizations, contribute to the success of this annual 2.5 mile event, which will be held on the Binghamton University campus starting at 2:00 p.m. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. at the parking lot located next to the B.U. Events Center.

CHOW, the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, provides emergency food to approximately 40,000 Broome County residents each year by providing inventory to 34 pantries located across the county. CHOW also operates the Broome Bounty Food Recovery Program.

The demand for its services has been growing constantly as local individuals and families try to deal with the difficult economic environment. Nearly half of those receiving assistance are children.

“Now, more than ever, we need to make this Hunger Walk the best ever,” noted Deacon Edward Blaine, CHOW’s program director. “We are counting on the long-established volunteer spirit of the families, churches and organizations of Broome County to help us raise the money needed to assist those struggling against hunger. Find a sponsor, get a group together or walk yourself; be a part of this important event to help our neighbors.”

All walkers raising at least $50 will receive a free tee shirt. Refreshments, food and entertainment will be provided after the walk.

Volunteers can call the Council of Churches at 607-724-9130 for more information and can pick up pledge packets at the office located at 3 Otseningo St., Binghamton, on the city’s South Side.

Walkers can bring their pledge envelopes and money they collected to the walk.