CROP WALKS FOR HUNGRY SET TO BEGIN.

Byline: Gloria Gonzales Daily News Staff Writer

A series of CROP Walks begins this month throughout Ventura County in an effort to raise thousands of dollars for local and worldwide hunger relief organizations.

Marilyn Green, a Moorpark mother who has walked each of the last 14 years, will coordinate this year's Christian Relief Overseas Project walk in Moorpark.

``I first walked when I was pregnant with my 14-year-old Alex,'' Green said. ``And my children `walked' in utero, and then in strollers, and then on their own.''

Green expects about 200 participants this year, up from the 150 who strolled the five-kilometer route last year.

The distance walked symbolizes the lengths most Third World inhabitants must travel daily for food, water and firewood, she said.

This year, Moorpark's CROP Walk organizers are adding activities to help participants think about hunger both worldwide and in their own communities.

``We have information booths and activities along the way that are designed to get people thinking about hunger in their communities and in the world.

``We want people to walk but also think about what are their next steps?'' Green said. `We want them to think about what they can do to help, in addition to walking.''

Green expects the 200 walkers will raise about $20,000 through sponsorships.

According to Green, 75 percent of the money will go to worldwide hunger relief organizations, with the rest helping local groups like Manna and Meals on Wheels.

Organizers in the Conejo Valley expect about 300 participants for a CROP Walk on March 16.

Middle school teacher Sherill Hyink has walked the Conejo Valley CROP Walk for 19 years.

``The walk gives you the time and the opportunity to reflect on all the things we have at our fingertips,'' said Hyink, who teaches sixth grade at Los Cerritos Middle School. ``We can just hop in the car and pick up whatever we want, and so many people lead lives that are much more desperate and desolate.''

Since the Conejo Valley CROP Walk began 20 years ago, the walks have earned $400,000, said Dot Blankley, the walk coordinator. Of that, $100,000 has gone to local hunger relief organizations.

SCHEDULED WALKS

Camarillo - Sunday

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Meet at Mount Cross Lutheran Church, 102 Camino Esplendido.

For more information call coordinator John Pearson at 482-6758.

Moorpark Walk - Sunday

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Meet at Flory School, 280 Flory Ave.

For more information call Marilyn Green at 529-3771.

Conejo Valley - March 16

Registration begins at noon. Meet at California Lutheran University Stadium.

For more information call Dot Blankley at 492-4395.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: Teacher Sherill Hyink says the CROP Walk is an opportunity to reflect on how well Americans live.

Jeremy Greene/Special to the Daily News

Box: SCHEDULE WALKS (see text)