News

This year HARC held our 10^th annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope, raising funds for HARC and the Micah’s Backpack program.  On Saturday, June 4, local and regional hikers participated in the main HARC Hike, walking or running 4K, 10K or half-marathon distances on the C&O Canal Towpath OR doing a “Virtual Hike” at a time and place of their choosing. It was a beautiful, cool day and we were so grateful!  Then a week later, on June 11, another group of hardy individuals hiked 23 miles on the Appalachian Trail for the HARC Challenge Hike. This hike took 12 hours to complete and included rocky, uneven ground with steep climbs and descents.  The event exceeded a goal of $24,000 in proceeds.

Funds from the HARC Hike ensure that HARC can continue its work in the community through coordination of faith community efforts such as Micah’s Backpack (serving more than 1,000 children with weekend food), school support and literacy initiatives, efforts to foster peace and support people of all faiths and ethnicities, racial justice work, efforts to prevent childhood trauma and build resilience, and more.  A significant portion of funds are designated directly to the Micah’s Backpack program to address childhood hunger in our county.

We are grateful to the many congregations, individuals and businesses that participated, did fundraising, helped spread the word, sponsored the event, donated food or materials, and volunteered to help.  Many hands and hearts made this event successful!

See pictures from the main hike here.  See pictures from the Challenge Hike here.

Special thanks to our event sponsors and supporters:

Food Truck Party – June 26 – June 30

Sunday, June 26 – Thursday, June 30 – 4:00 – 6:00 pm
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown

During the week of VBS at First Christian Church, Food Trucks will be on site for anyone to enjoy at their own expense. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to enjoy your dinner on the lawn. Children registered and attending their VBS will enjoy dinner and dessert at no cost. Everyone else is invited to come out and support the food trucks through your purchases. More info: Dianna, Church Office, 301.733.0144.

Schedule:

• Sunday, June 26: Salsa Mama and Trey’s Sweets & Treats;
• Monday, June 27: Diego’s World and Tuckers Pucker;
• Tuesday, June 28: Bentwood Smokers and Tuckers Pucker;
• Wednesday, June 29: Old Fireman’s BBQ and Trey’s Sweet & Treats;
• Thursday, June 30: Boondok’s BBQ and Trey’s Sweets & Treats

Aspiring to Serve, Inc, a non-profit organization affiliated with Christ’s Reformed Church manages the property at 140 W. Franklin St. Begun with the vision of being a “one-stop” shop for services to the community, the mission and building have evolved with the times and needs of the area.  As tenants have found other spaces or had programs eliminated, new tenants have moved in.  At the moment, there are two completed spaces available for lease: multiple offices and a conference room on the north end of the first floor and the entire fourth floor which includes a reception area, a large meeting space and multiple offices.  Both suites have kitchenettes. Slide shows of these spaces can be viewed at http://aspiringtoserve.org/slideshows.html

The ATS board hopes to continue its mission of offering low-cost spaces to organizations that serve the community. Please contact ATS at 240-707-6521 or  atsste600@gmail.com if you are affiliated with or know of an organization that may be interested in this space.

HARC, Rise Up Hagerstown, WCPS and the WCPS Education Foundation are excited to have some excellent applicants for the 1st annual Equity in Education Scholarship! We started out with a fund from Rise Up Hagerstown of $7,500 to support the scholarships, but with the great applicant pool and several seeking their master’s degree in teaching through an accelerated program, we need more funds to offer scholarships that will truly make an impact for two to four people. If your congregation or you individually would like to contribute to the success of future teachers of color, please make a contribution here or send a check to WCPS Education Foundation, 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21740.   Donations can also be made through HARC as a faith community offering (please make a note to designate your gift).  Our goal is another $7,500 by June 30.