From staff reports

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, will host its fourth annual Walk of Hope Sept. 30 at Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor (west entrance).

The course length is 3.1 miles with optional 1- and 2-mile walks.

Check-in and T-shirt pick-up is from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by the walk from 10 a.m. to noon. The registration fee is $25 for adults (18 years and older); those 17 and younger are free, T-shirt included.  To register, visit WalkofHopeNJ.org.

Catholic Charities is a private, nonprofit organization that provides mental health, social and crisis services to individuals and families. The Walk of Hope’s mission is to reduce poverty, promote recovery and strengthen families. All attending are encouraged to bring a canned good to help stock Catholic Charities’ food pantry.

“The event is a great opportunity for people to learn about an organization that is happening in the community that’s helping the poor and vulnerable in Mercer County,” Jennifer Leip, development and marketing manager for Catholic Charities, said of the walk.

Hoping to build off the success of last year’s event, which drew nearly 250 walkers and raised more than $16,000, this year’s walk aims to attract more than 400 and raise more than $24,000, with all proceeds going directly to Catholic Charities’ 58 programs in the counties of Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Burlington.

This year’s event also will be broadcast live by WPST FM radio station, which will be giving away prizes along with a raffle.

For information, contact Leip at 609-394-5181, ext. 1137, or [email protected]. Visit the website at www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/events/walkofhope.