Two weeks after first hearing about the HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope, we had an opportunity to talk with Marion about food insecurity. We're grateful and humbled that it was just that... an opportunity for a conversation, rather than a first-hand experience or daily reality. But talking about it, educating ourselves, or counting our blessings isn't enough. So we asked Marion if she'd want to do a hike to help kids just like her have enough good, healthy food. She responded with an excited, "Yes!"
Please help us show God's love to the families of Washington County through your financial support. Your donation benefits HARC's important programs, including Michah's Backpack, which provides nutritious food to food-insecure children in Washington County. It also encourages Marion and Owen to have empathy, compassion, and love for others--not only through their thoughts and prayers, but also through action.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:14-17
...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8
Thank you!
- Jenna, Taylor, Marion, and Owen
HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope
The Hike for Hunger & Hope is HARC’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope is a non-competitive fundraising event open to all ages. This fully supported hike on the beautiful C&O Canal towpath features 4 K (2.5 miles), 10 K (6.2 miles), and half marathon (13.1 miles) hikes, to include everyone from casual to serious hikers and runners. Participants can look forward to scenic water views, water & Gatorade refills along the way.
Proceeds will benefit HARC programs, with a significant portion directed to Micah’s Backpack, which provides nutritious food to food-insecure children in Washington County, MD. Micah’s Backpack is a collaborative effort between 50 churches and organizations in Washington County, serving more than 1,100 children with weekend meals. Other initiatives include childhood education and well-being programs, justice initiatives, strengthening houses of worship and interfaith relationships.
The Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) is a coalition of faith community partners in Washington County, Maryland. HARC has been active in the community since 1946 and has been recognized as a 501c3 non-profit organization since 2001. While HARC’s partner congregations can differ greatly on theology, all agree on loving our neighbor and working together to build a better community, help those in need, and support one another.
HARC connects the Washington County faith community to work together, engaging in hands-on ministry to serve our community. This work includes serving hungry children through Micah’s Backpack, maintaining a Food, Clothing & Personal Care resources list for Washington County, childhood education and well-being programs, justice initiatives, and strengthening houses of worship and interfaith relationships.
Learn more at https://harccoalition.org/