Money for the Vineyard Food Pantry, now closed for the summer, comes from many different sources. Recently the cochairmen of last year’s Crop Walk, Phil Dietterich and Alden Besse, presented a check to Armen Hanjian, food pantry coordinator, for $5,113, earmarked to bolster the pantry coffers as it continues to provide food for Islanders in need.

The 2008 CROP Walk saw 90 walkers, with hundreds of sponsors, walk from Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs and back, raising $20,452. This money is used by Church World Service to meet great local needs (25 per cent), nationally and in 80 countries. The walk this year is planned for Oct. 18, at which organizers hope to raise the program’s 19-year net total to over $300,000. Special percentage sponsors and many walkers will be needed to make it happen. The Crop Walk is sponsored by the Island Clergy Association, the Vineyard Food Pantry and the Vineyard Committee on Hunger. Those wishing to help may call 508-693-3930.