For the 36th year, walkers in Ortonville will help fight hunger both abroad and at home.

This year’s annual CROP Walk is set for 1:30 p.m., Sept. 25.

CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk is a historic walk and one that is celebrated across the nation as communities band together to reduce world hunger. This year, Ortonville’s walk is 3 miles and will take place beginning at the Ortonville United Methodist Church, 93 N. Church St., with a special send-off from members of the area Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The CROP Walk began in 1947 in the aftermath of World War II and was originally meant to benefit war-torn Europe through the donations of crops from many midwestern families. It grew to eventually become the first official CROP Walk in 1969, which raised $25,000 to feed the hungry. Since then, more than 2,000 communities in the United States have participated.

“As in the past a quarter of the funds raised will stay in the community donated to the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund,” said Sue Sirgany, CROP Walk committee member. “With the loss of the rummage sale this year, funds raised by the CROP Walk are especially important. Other funds are used to provide assistance to help the pooerest of the poor around the world attain sustainable means of food.”

The 2016 CROP Walk includes a new 3 mile route along with a scavenger hunt. Completed scavenger hunt forms are used to draw for door prizes provided by area businesses.

Community members who wish to help but are unable to walk can donate at

www.crophungerwalk.org/ortonville