Over 6,000 people participated in the 2012 Greater Greensboro CROP Hunger 5K Walk and Run on Sunday.

Christine Byrd, Crop Walk Coordinator and Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM) employee, worked hard for this years crop walk event.

“The 2012 Greater Greensboro CROP Hunger walk and run featured a new route which allowed for a more diversified walk through the downtown area. It also featured the inclusion of “cheerleaders” along the route to encourage runners and walkers,” said Byrd.

Most of the “cheerleaders” consisted of volunteers from NC A&T, UNCG and Bennett who supported the cause.

GUM offers other opportunities to participate in events to people who missed the CROP walk.

This year, the annual event raised over $200,000 in donations and fundraising.

Seventy-five percent of the proceeds go to the Church World Service (CWS) to eliminate world hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice to under privileged places around the world.

The remaining 25% is given to Potter’s House Community Kitchen at GUM.

The CROP Walk is sponsored every year by Church World Service (CWS).

CWS consists of 37 Christian communions that assist communities in response to local hunger and disasters. It also offers network opportunities for people with the same interest through participation in CROP Walks.

Since 1981, the Greensboro CROP Walk for hunger has raised more than $4 million with over one million dollars going to the Potter’s House.

Potter House Community Kitchen at GUM has fed homeless Greensboro residents for over 40 years and its efforts continue to impact people lives. Potter House serves free, nutritious meals seven days a week between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

There are about 400-500 guests that visit Potter House daily to get a well-balanced meal.

Maggie Colon, GUM supervisor, helps facilitate daily activities for residents in need of resources.

“We try to equip our residents with food, employment specialists, medical assistance, and housing placement,” said Colon. “Events like the CROP walk keep food on our residents tables and reassures them that people actually care.”

Ed Wynn, temporary resident of GUM, has been living there for 63 days. “Sometimes things happen in life that lead you here, and I had no choice,” he said. Wynn is a regular at the Potter House kitchen and enjoys the food, “depending on what they cook.” Wynn continues to use GUM assistance in hopes of finding permanent housing.

GUM will be co-sponsoring the Clash of Potters on Oct. 25 at the Center for Visual Artists from 6-7p.m. At this event, six area residents will compete to see who can throw the most clay bowls in a thirty-minute period. Also GUM will host the Feast of Caring on Nov. 15 at the First Baptist Church from 5-7 p.m. This building event allows community members to make financial contributions and pledges to GUM while they enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the Clash of Potters can contact Christine Byrd, Director Community Engagement at (336) 553-2656 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Individuals interested in volunteering at the Feast of Caring can contact Gail Gore-Lewis, Director of Volunteer Services at (336) 271-5959 or via e-mail at [email protected].

• Ashley Jacobs, Contributor