This fall I took part in the annual CROP walk. I was determined to participate….until the actual day arrived. The four mile walk was daunting. I had been sick before the event so was still weak. The envelope for seeking financial sponsors had at least 10 lines and I had not done any fundraising. So I seriously considered skipping the event – who would know anyway? Instead, I wrote a personal check for $25 and decided to check it out.

CROP stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty. It is an interfaith effort to reduce hunger around the world. The theme this year is “Enough for All.” About 2,000 communities across the United States host a CROP walk. In 2008, about $16 million was raised to fund hunger-fighting efforts. It supports both international and local hunger relief.

As I grudgingly drove to the event I wondered who did this kind of thing. Then I spotted several people I know. I saw Dot, a reading tutor; Reginaldo, a local economic developer; Dr. Ryan, a physician and many more people of all ages. I talked with Chaley, an enthusiastic 16 year old. The women at the registration table were people I know; I wondered if they would find my little check too meager. I thought about how it would be easier to stay home but it was too late to opt out now.

After the welcome the moderator asked for five children to come stand in a line at the front of the room. He said, “In the world 20% of the people have 80% of the resources.” He gave four mini packages of raisins to the first girl in line. Next, he opened up one little box and divided it amongst the other four kids.

Then the moderator said, “How will the others get more food?” The little girl with the four packages of raisins giggled and hid her raisins behind her back. He prodded her and she handed one package to the girl next to her and put the others behind her back again. The second girl dropped her package onto the floor, picked it up, and then handed it back to the first girl.

The moderator became more directive and said firmly to the girl, “They will get food when those of us with plenty give it to them.”

She got the message and was off down the line giving a package to each child. At the end of the line she realized that she had only one package left and there was still one boy without a raisin box. She froze. Picture two kids and just one small mini raisin box left. The moderator suggested she split the last package with the boy. She did, and the simulation was over.

From having four packages of raisins to now having just a few raisins and no box – I wonder how that little girl felt after her role in the simulation.

It made me think. I felt foolish to have been concerned with trivia when some people do not have enough to eat. I almost did not participate and would have missed the lesson from the children. 

Last year our community raised about $36,000. I wonder what the total will be this year. With the difficult economy, are people holding onto their own resources more tightly-the first inclination of the young girl? Or, will people give their own resources generously to others in need, like the little girl with the raisins did in the end?

Here in our community one newbie joined in, and gave a small check. If others do what they can and give what they are able, hunger will be reduced. Next year I intend to hold onto my own resources less tightly and make my personal contribution larger. And, I may ask others to give too.

To get involved with a CROP walk in your area, check out Church World Service.

Photo: Trent Scheffert and a friend serving food at a homeless shelter

Leadership development expert & educator, Donna Rae Scheffert knows how public action by others for others improves lives - she helps people to get involved and provides tools to propel them toward their goals easier, faster, and with more fun. Read more from Donna Rae at Online-Leadership-Tools and follow Donna Rae on Twitter or Facebook.