Annual Walk for the Poor set for Saturday
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The Bible promises Christians that “the generous will themselves be blessed for they share their food with the poor.”
That’s exactly what the Society of St. Vincent de Paul does throughout the year, and on Saturday, they are asking the public to help them give back to the local community.
The organization will host its annual “Walk for the Poor,” a two-mile walk beginning at Christ the King Catholic Church.
The event works like a walk-a-thon, where participants gather pledges or donations in lieu of paying an entry fee, said organizer J. Michael Johnson.
The walk is one of three fundraisers the organization holds each year.
Johnson said last year, they gave out some $3,200 to help with utility bills, dentist, eye glasses, gas vouchers for children with medical issues needing to be transported to Montgomery or Birmingham.
Additionally, they fed needy families more than 25,000 pounds of food.
Just last month, the organization gave out $1,500 in utility assistance and 2,000 pounds of food.
“This money stays in Covington County,” Johnson said. “Sometimes we help with rent. If we can’t help them completely, we try to find resources to help them.”
Johnson cited helping an 70-year-old lady who was living under a bridge in the county; helping a diabetic get a pharmaceutical company to pay for a $300 shot; and helping a brain cancer patient with medicines.
Last year, 80-100 walkers participated, and it’s growing each year, Johnson said.
Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the walk at 8 a.m.
Sheriff Dennis Meeks will speak at 8 a.m., and breakfast will be served after.
There will also be a cake-walk, in which Johnson said cakes are needed.
“It’s fun every year, and we hope to have a little more fun this year,” he said. “If you can’t walk, we’d appreciate your donation.”