Hebron Mennonite Church in Honor of Ed Poling
Rev. Ed Poling has been involved in HARC, Interfaith Coalition (now part of HARC) and the prior Washington County Council of Churches as long has he's been a pastor in Washington County, and long after he retired. He believes so passionately in the mission of HARC that he started the HARC Hike in 2012, hiking the full 42 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland in ONE day to raise funds for HARC's programs. Ed helped HARC turn this into a sustainable fundraiser for all levels of walkers/hikers and has led or co-led the HARC Hike for Hunger and Hope every year since (more than 10 years), including leading the 20+ mile Challenge Hike on the Appalachian Trail or Catoctin Trail. As part of his annual long hike, Ed also raises funds for HARC - from $2,000 - $5,000 each year.
This year, Ed is battling cancer and, while he's still helping to plan, he cannot lead the HARC Hike or participate in the Challenge. His church, Hebron Mennonite Church, is fundraising in his honor, in effort to replace the funds he would have raised and highlight this truly remarkable man. Every donation in his name is a validation of his incredible commitment to HARC and the Hike, an encouragement to him in his fight with cancer, and a great support to all of the programs HARC coordinates, especially Micah's Backpack.
Thank you for your support of Ed Poling and the HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope!
P.S. The picture featured on this page is from the 2018 HARC Challenge Hike on the Catoctin Trail. We had an extremely wet spring and the entire trail was partially or fully under water. At this particular spot, Ed helped all of the hikers across a fast moving stream that had nearly turned into a river. Everyone was soaking wet that day, but Ed made sure hikers remained safe and in good spirits.
HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope
The Hike for Hunger & Hope is HARC’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope is a non-competitive fundraising event open to all ages. This fully supported hike on the beautiful C&O Canal towpath features 4 K (2.5 miles), 10 K (6.2 miles), and half marathon (13.1 miles) hikes, to include everyone from casual to serious hikers and runners. Participants can look forward to scenic water views, water & Gatorade refills along the way.
Proceeds will benefit HARC programs, with a significant portion directed to Micah’s Backpack, which provides nutritious food to food-insecure children in Washington County, MD. Micah’s Backpack is a collaborative effort between 50 churches and organizations in Washington County, serving more than 1,100 children with weekend meals. Other initiatives include childhood education and well-being programs, justice initiatives, strengthening houses of worship and interfaith relationships.
Washington County Council of Churches dba Hagerstown Area Religious Council
The Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) is a coalition of faith community partners in Washington County, Maryland. HARC has been active in the community since 1946 and has been recognized as a 501c3 non-profit organization since 2001. While HARC’s partner congregations can differ greatly on theology, all agree on loving our neighbor and working together to build a better community, help those in need, and support one another.
HARC connects the Washington County faith community to work together, engaging in hands-on ministry to serve our community. This work includes serving hungry children through Micah’s Backpack, maintaining a Food, Clothing & Personal Care resources list for Washington County, childhood education and well-being programs, justice initiatives, and strengthening houses of worship and interfaith relationships.
Learn more at https://harccoalition.org/