Letter to the Editor

'Running on Empty' 5K a great success

Sunday, June 9, 2013

To the Editor:

Too many people the numbers that were published by the Indiana Department of Education came as a shock.

For others, they were not.

The report showed that in Clay County, 51 percent of all students were on the free and reduced lunch program.

That amounts to a little more than 4,600 children!

That is a staggering statistic and a real blessing for those who are able to benefit for subsidized breakfast and lunch at our schools.

And the question arises, "What do these children do in the summer, on weekends and school breaks?"

We know that the YMCA and S.O.S. in Brazil have worked in the past to help with this situation, as has The ROCK in Clay City.

We also are aware of a "lunch bag" program at one of the schools to provide for weekends.

But that simply isn't enough.

Late last fall, Pastor Bob Kumpf from the Center Point/Ashboro Charge of the United Methodist Church applied for an Ecumenical Mini-Grant from the Social Advocacy, Justice and Ethnic Ministry Team of the Indiana Conference.

With these funds in hand, he met with Pastor Gary Scroggins of the Brazil First Presbyterian Church and Father John Hollowell of Brazil Annunciation Catholic Church.

Their discussion soon moved from a simple gathering to an event that would really benefit the community and allow Christians to work side-by-side in addressing a problem that affects us all.

It didn't take long before the issue of hunger in the community came to the forefront.

In early March, the decision was made to start an awareness program and make the statistics known to the public.

It was decided to organize an event to raise funds for immediate help. With the help of The Brazil Times and many local pastors, congregations, schools, teachers, civic leaders and organizations, the word was spread throughout the community.

On May 27, Memorial Day, the Food For Families -- Running on Empty 5K Walk/Run took place at Forest Park in Brazil.

More than 200 people came out to participate and raised more than $6,500 after expenses.

In their bright blue shirts, runners and walkers made a lap through the streets of Brazil, showing their support for our youth.

It was a great morning of celebration and unity that was joined by several pledges of commitments from churches and groups to help provide transportation, food, funds and prayers for this cause.

It was also a day full of "wait until next year" challenges after the little Center Point Methodist Church team took home the prize for the most donations.

The funds gathered this year will be distributed to the YMCA, Serving On The Streets in Brazil, and the ROCK in Clay City, to help with their food program.

It is our prayer that this event is only the beginning of continued ecumenical relationships and working together in taking the good news to our world.

Pastor Bob Kumpf,

Center Point