The Iowa CROP Hunger Walk spring events so far reflect over $12,700 sent in, with about $29,500  yet to come in. These donated funds help support the fight against hunger throughout our world.  We thank all coordinators and treasurers, grateful for the leadership provided, and all of the walkers who support communities.

We contine to look forward to each new year, that walker numbers will rise as people unite to bring more hope and help to those around the globe.

For all of the CROP Hunger Walks throughout Iowa, we pray that each will have great success as they combat the wages of hunger. Many blessings to all

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TURN $1

INTO $2

You can increase the donation of your community!
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans offers grants that could help
grow your ‘green’    into some extra ‘gold’

for your local CROP Hunger Walk.

This could reap a lot of reward for only a little effort!

Below is info about the application procedure.
Find the application form at www.thrivent.com or call 800-847-4836. Allow 60-90 days for request processing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This document is a guide to help with the process of obtaining a supplemental grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Approval of a supplemental grant is solely up to the discretion of the local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans offers a way for active volunteer chapters to add to their community’s CROP Hunger Walk income through a supplemental grant program called the “CARE ABOUNDS IN COMMUNITIES PROGRAM.”

When a Thrivent Financial chapter service team participates in a local CROP Hunger Walk, whether through providing leadership or actively walking and seeking sponsors, the team can request supplemental dollars from Thrivent Financial.

How it works:

• At least 6 Thrivent Financial members from different households form a service team.
• Prior to the CROP Walk, the team applies to the local Thrivent Financial chapter for a supplemental grant. The application form can be accessed from the Thrivent website and can be submitted by email or U.S. mail to the Chapter board. The grant is a supplement to funds the Thrivent Financial for Lutheran’s service team will raise in the WALK.
• Each service team can apply for a maximum of $1600.00 from their local Thrivent Financial chapter.
• The team should get a grant award letter or some type of written documentation that the grant has been approved.
• Once the CROP Walk funds have been deposited with Church World Service and the local Thrivent Financial chapter has approved the grant application, a member of the service team should :

1.) Notify the local Thrivent Financial Chapter Director that the funds have been raised.
2.) Notify the CWS Matching Gift Program in Elkhart of the anticipated match in order to ensure proper credit to the CROP Walk.
3.) Request from the Elkhart CWS office a letter of acknowledgement of the funds raised to be sent to the Thrivent Chapter. The following information is needed:

* Thrivent chapter name and number
* Thrivent Chapter Financial Director (Treasurer) Information:

Name, Address, Daytime phone number

* The name of the CROP Walk (e.g., Delaware Co., Crown Point, Elkhart, etc.)
* Grant approval documentation from Thrivent Financial local chapter

CROP Hunger Walk funds should never be sent directly to Thrivent. All Walk funds should be handled following CROP Walk procedures. If required, CWS can send a check in the amount to be matched to the Thrivent Financial chapter.

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Photo: Chris Herlinger/CWS

Through Alternative Giving you can donate your choice of gift to help improve lives.

Examples: pumps/wells, jerry cans, school/health kits, chickens, rabbits, buffalo, sewing machines, fabric, blankets, food packages, or even a shelter kit.

Billions of people around the world need your help.

Order The Best Gift Catalog at 800-297-1516.

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My colleagues, Connie D. Daiker and Christina L. Gillespie, and I, an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, welcome opportunities to help you organize CROP Events such as: CROP Hunger Walks or Tools & Blankets Sundays, and speaking engagements that my schedule will permit.

Yours in Christ,
Reverend Russell J. A. Melby, Iowa Regional Director

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