They wore matching T-shirts and walked with a purpose on Saturday.

Approximately 30 people took part in the seventh annual Crop Walk, an event raising the awareness of and money for hunger. The participants represented six churches and ranged in age from 3 to 84.

"I was raised on a big farm, and I never knew what it was like to go to bed hungry," Ironton resident Aggie Taylor said. "I just hate the thought of other people going hungry.

"I have heart problems and the doctor told me it was good for me to walk, and what a better cause to walk for than this one? But I mostly do it for the love of people. If you can feed just one person, you've done a good deed."

Taylor has walked every year, and usually raises the most money. This year she raised just under $1,500. Taylor lined up a long list of local civic groups, businesses and others who pledged money toward her effort.

"I thank them from the bottom of my heart," she said.

Wanda Spears of Ironton was another Crop Walk participant.

"I think about people overseas who have to walk everywhere they go. They walk to get food. This is a part of their life," Spears said. "I think we need to be concerned with more than just our community. I think we need a broader perspective. And I wish we had more people involved."

Members of First United Methodist Church, the Ironton Catholic community, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church of Ironton, First Presbyterian Church of Ironton, and Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church participated.

Those who want to contribute money to this effort may contact First United Methodist Church during the month of June.