By CARLA SANDERS
HUNGER knows no season, or day of the week. It doesn’t recognize city boundaries, or the ages of those in need.
It does not take a holiday.
That is the message that Inland Valley Hope Partners seeks to spread far and wide, and in the process garner support for its programs that aided 65,000 people in 2007.
One of the key fund-raisers is the annual Walk for the Hungry, which this year marks a milestone 35th year. Scheduled for Oct. 12 at Chaffey High School, the event is open to anyone who wants to help make a difference in their community.
Marilyn Williams, of San Antonio Heights, is volunteering for the second year as chairman of the walk. Last year’s event raised more than $55,000, plus food, and she hopes to surpass that total this year.
"While we appreciate the food donations, we can do so much more with the money," Williams said. "We can buy 6 pounds of food from the regional food bank for every dollar spent." During a tour of the Ontario warehouse that serves Hope Partners’ three food pantries — in Ontario, Pomona and San Dimas — Williams and Wytske Visser, executive director of the organization, explained how the community can get involved. In addition, newly hired resource development director Fran Robertson spoke of her outreach efforts and willingness to talk with companies large and small about how they and their employees can aid Hope Partners.
Here are a few of their ideas:
-- Religious organizations can challenge each other to see who can bring in the most money or donations.
-- Civic groups can take on Hope Partners as a service project.
-- Law enforcement can issue challenges.
-- Even children can make a difference, helping stock food pantries or raising money through Scouting, National Charity League, Assistance League and other like-minded philanthropic organizations.
And, they stressed, Hope Partners serves a broad geographic area, covering 13 cities and communities: Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Montclair, Mt. Baldy, Pomona, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Dimas, Upland and Walnut.
"Hungry people are everywhere," said Visser, "even the higher-end cities. We need more and more people to help."
Walk for the Hungry
Chaffey High School, 1245 N. Euclid Ave., Ontario Oct. 12; registration begins at noon, the 5K and 10K walks through Ontario’s Historic College District start at 1 p.m.
Bring a can of food or other non-perishable item to the walk. In-N-Out Burger will be selling meals; there also will be free music, popcorn, face painting and balloons. (909) 622-3806, www.hope-partners.com
