Thank you for supporting my hike!

Your donation benefits HARC's important programs including Michah's Backpack, which provides nutritious food to food-insecure children in Washington County.

As most of my loyal friends and supporters know, Laura and I have directed the Micah's Backpack Ministry at St. Mark's Episcopal Church-Lappans for the past 12 years. Providing weekend food to elementary school children is our passion, and we firmly believe that kids can't learn when they are hungry.

 I have worked on the Planning Team for the HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope for many years and the event just gets better every year. Over $33,000 was raised in 2023 to benefit all of HARC's many worthwhile projects. Of that $33,000, over $1,000 came directly from you on my fundraising page. That is why I have again set the mark high. With your help, I hope to repeat my success as a four digit fundraiser!

My sincere thanks to my friends on Facebook. I apologize in advance for driving you nuts with repeated solicitations, but the neediest kids in the community are counting on you!

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 1,200 children with weekend meals.  Other initiatives include the new Refugee Welcome Network, 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.  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.

We believe in the power of faith communities working together.

We believe in nurturing the unlimited potential of every child.

We believe all people have equal value and are loved by God.

We believe in equipping one another to create stronger houses of worship.

Some of our Programs:

Micah's Backpack - 50 different churches and organizations providing weekend meals for more than 1,200 children each week.

Refugee Welcome Network - welcoming and assisting refugees as they work to become part of our community and gain independence.

Interfaith Team - provideding opportuntiies to learn about different faiths and build relationships, while promoting peace and understanding.

Equity in Education Scholarship - providing financial and mentorship support to racially diverse individuals as they work to attain their degrees in education.

Washington County Black Professionals Network (WCBPN) - providing connections and networking opportunities for Blacks of the African diaspora in Washington County, MD, and uplifting Black-owned businesses.

Learning Parties - promoting young children’s development of school readiness skills through supporting and guding parents.

NEW! After School program coming in 2024.

Learn more at https://harccoalition.org/

• Ryan, Melissa, Taylor and Alex donated $210.00 March 5, 2024 ... "To the best GA GA, we are proud of all that you do!"
• anonymous donated $200.00 February 13, 2024
• Karen Nicodemus donated $100.00 March 12, 2024
• Patrick Maloy donated $100.00 March 5, 2024
• Moser family donated $50.00 March 13, 2024
• Mike and Linda Harsh donated $50.00 March 5, 2024 ... "Thanks for all you do for our beloved community!"
• Cheryl Williams donated $50.00 February 28, 2024
• Peg Brown donated $50.00 February 27, 2024 ... "Thank you and Laura for all you do for the children of Washington County."
• Harry Nogle donated $50.00 February 24, 2024 ... "I admire your commitment, Ed!"
• Danny Nelson donated $50.00 February 24, 2024 ... "Hi Ed! Thank you for all your good work."
• Ted and Linda donated $50.00 February 20, 2024 ... "Keep up the passion and great work!"
• Deacon Kathleen donated $50.00 February 12, 2024 ... "Thank you for living out the Gospel "
• Nancy & Chuck Eichelberger donated $50.00 February 3, 2024
• Carla Charles donated $50.00 February 3, 2024
• Judy Hartman Giffin donated $25.00 March 5, 2024 ... "Thank you Ed for helping others. "
• Linda Kearns donated $20.00 March 5, 2024
• Kate Looney donated $20.00 February 15, 2024