This past weekend's Glen Ellyn-Wheaton CROP Walk is on track to raise the most donations yet, just in time to help local food banks contending with the rising cost of commodities.

At first count, the 422 walkers raised about $42,000, but that total likely will go up as organizers receive more donations, said Anne Gould, one of the coordinators of the annual fundraiser.

"It usually goes up significantly from walk day because of matching funds and continuing donations that come in," Gould said. "It looks like we're going to have another record year."

Last year, about 350 walkers went on to raise more than $44,000. The Glen Ellyn and Wheaton chapter of CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk was supported by 14 area churches this year.

The fundraiser is unique in that participants can target specific charities for their donations. Seventy-five percent of the donations go to overseas charities such as Church World Service or Catholic Relief Services, while the rest stays in the area and goes to food providers such as the People's Resource Center in Wheaton.

The donation comes at the perfect time for the food bank, which is coping with rising food prices, even for basics like rice and grains.

In March, food banks in the area put out a call for donations to keep their shelves stocked, and the response was outstanding, said Karen Hill, development director for the People's Resource Center.

"Unfortunately, our need just continues. … The food prices continue to go up," Hill said. "The community support has been absolutely wonderful. We continue to look to and rely on the community."