From: Zion Lutheran Church and School

Zion Lutheran Church and School Steps Out to Aid the Hungry

In mid-November 2020, Pastor Lenny Szeto of Zion Lutheran Church and School, located at Ninth Avenue and Anza Street, encouraged the Zion community to “Walk for Hunger” and raise money to donate to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank (www.sfmfoodbank.org). 

“Going out and taking a walk is not only good for health, but also good for relationship building when you can walk with your family.,” Pastor Szeto said.

Setting a goal of 2,000 miles, Pastor Szeto said the church would donate $1,000 (50 cents per mile) to the food bank. 

“Get out and get some fresh air,” he said.  “Do it safely and help our community. Every mile counts!”

Several members of the Zion community joined the cause, reporting their totals weekly. If they walked with friends or family, the miles could be multiplied. Walkers ranged in age from 17 to over 80; one person walked 534 miles!

Four months later, Pastor Szeto announced that the goal of 2,000 miles was exceeded, and an additional $500 was raised in monetary contributions. 

“This was a win for our health and for the community. Not only did we get fresh air, exercise and some fellowship, but we also benefitted those who are hungry.”  

Based on the success of the Food Bank challenge, Pastor Szeto has set another 2,000-mile goal. The beneficiary this time will be Lutheran Social Services of Northern California. Its mission is to help people overcome some of life’s most difficult obstacles, such as homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction, or disaster. The programs at Lutheran Social Services serve more than 2,600 clients in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Contra Costa County.

For more information about Zion Lutheran Church and School, or to participate in the walkathon, visit www.zionsf.org. For more information about Lutheran Social Services, visit www.lssnorcal.org.