By Matt Duncan
Marian University Sophomores Matt Duncan and Sabrina Valli are working in conjunction with the Office of Campus Ministry in organizing Marian University’s annual Crop Walk. The three-mile walk around campus will take place this Sunday, November 13 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Crop Walk will circumnavigate the campus twice. The meeting spot will be at the Clowes Memorial Amphitheatre. In order to walk, participants must pay $2. A registration table by the amphitheater before the walk begins will accommodate students who have not yet registered.
A donation of $10 or more award secures the donor an official Crop Walk T-shirt. All proceeds will be sent to food banks, pantries, community gardens, and other local efforts across the U.S. According to its website, churchworldservice.org, up to 25% of the proceeds can go directly back into the local community.
The students decided on this project for their Sophomore San Damiano service project, although traditionally, Sr. Norma has been the sole Marian organizer for the event.
Since being involved, she has helped recruit students to participate in Indianapolis’ annual Crop Walk, which takes place during Marian students’ fall break.
Sr. Norma said she is very grateful that Marian is having one on their own campus at a time that will be more convenient to students.
“As a member of the Interfaith Hunger Initiative in Indianapolis, I have become even more aware of the dire need of so many persons, not only in foreign lands but here in our own country and state.”
According to Sr. Norma, 18,000 children go to bed hungry in Indianapolis; over 200,000 children go to bed hungry in Indiana. She recommends participation in the Crop Walk, as the Marian University community upholds the Franciscan values of peace and justice and dignity of the individual.
Campus Minister Jeanne Hidalgo agreed. She said she sees the service project as a wonderful opportunity for the Marian community.
“By participating in the crop walk, Marian students, faculty and staff have opportunities to be in solidarity with those who are hungry,” she said.
“We are joining in the national movement to grow in awareness and be inspired to work for change so that all people can have access to those basic necessities that speaks to human dignity, value and worth.”
While much time has been spent organizing the event and reaching out to various groups on campus, Sabrina Valli is happy that she picked the Crop Walk as her service project and feels that it has been both an excellent way to interact with campus ministry and a meaningful project.
Besides the personal benefits of the Crop Walk, Valli also feels very strongly about the social justice message that is inherent in the event.
“One of the Franciscan values is responsible stewardship. If we are able, we should share our time, talent, and treasure with others, and I think the Crop Walk is a great way to do that.
“I'm excited for our campus to come together and walk to help end hunger,” she said.
On Sunday, the Crop Walk will come to Marian’s campus as a way to show witness to the Franciscan values and raise money for the poor and hungry. All are invited to walk and/or donate money. For questions about the event, feel free to contact Matt Duncan at mduncan644@marian.edu.
