Derr's presentation is sponsored by the Midlands CROP Walk Against Hunger, the annual event that supports local hunger relief and Church World Service's domestic and international programs. In 27 years, the walk has raised nearly $690,000, three-quarters of which has gone to CWS.

Derr is responsible for the coordination, management and implementation of the CWS emergency response program relief, recovery and rehabilitation activities throughout the world. Before working with CWS, Derr served as a consultant, developing training curriculum for the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and served as Director of the Church of the Brethren Refugee Resettlement and Disaster Response Programs.

Derr will make a brief presentation on the work of CWS in responding to emergencies around the world, with specific attention to work in the United States after the Gulf Coast hurricanes, the earthquake in Pakistan and Kashmir, and the Asian tsunami. A question-and-answer period and discussion of CWS' work will follow the presentation.

CWS has provided more than $1.25 million in relief supplies in response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. CWS also was a first responder to the Pakistan earthquake. Among its relief supplies were emergency food packets for 15,000 families and 19,000 tents. Through December 2005, CWS had raised more than $11.4 million in cash and $6.6 million in materials for victims of the tsunami.

This is an excellent opportunity for Midlands residents to learn more about where their CROP money goes.

The luncheon is free, but donations will be requested. Please make your reservation no later than noon Feb. 27 by calling 782-4238 or e-mailing: midlandscrop@yahoo.com; please put "luncheon" in the subject of the message.