Local pastor walking today for several community causes

ASHDOWN, Ark. - A local pastor is putting his walking shoes on today to raise funds for a number of local causes.

Pastor Jim Cross from Ashdown United Methodist Church is participating in his ninth annual Impact 2021 Walking for Christ event. Funds from last year's walk helped purchase about 400 pairs of new shoes for local children.

A portion of this year's funds will be donated to the Be Like CJ Foundation. The foundation is named to honor of Cedric "CJ" Harris, a local 14-year-old student and athlete who died from injuries suffered in an ATV accident over spring break.

Cross plans to walk 30 miles.

"I used to walk to Ogden but decided the highway (U.S. Highway 71) was not the safest place to walk. Now I walk in town, I walk around the school. There are about three or four paths I walk," he said. "I like the peace of walking."

Cross has already raised $20,000 this year and hopes to bring in a few thousand more today.

"I would like to see between $25,000 and $30,000 raised in all," Cross said. In eight years, the Impact Walk for Christ event has raised $160,000 for the community.

Besides the walk, there will be other activities at the Ashdown United Methodist Church with a cornhole tournament beginning at noon and chicken dinners beginning at 3:30 p.m.

In addition to the Be Like CJ Foundation, proceeds will go to the Harvest Foods backpack program, Ashdown City Park and Ashdown Public Library, Arkansas Children's, Richmond Volunteer Fire Department and the fund for retired Arkansas State Police Trooper Clayton McWilliams.

"Every penny that comes in, goes out for the community," Cross said.

Anyone wanting to contribute can send donations to Ashdown United Methodist Church 145 E. Commerce St., Ashdown 71822.

Upcoming Events