Churches, governments, nonprofits and local residents gathered together to gather food for the hungry and raise spirits in the third annual Walk By Faith Saturday.

Rockdale County Chairman Richard Oden, Rockdale Emergency Relief Executive Director Andy Peabody, Senior Pastor Eric W. Lee and Minister Brian Russell of Springfield Baptist Church, and other civic and community organizations hosted the event.

The 1.1-mile walk Saturday, began at the Salem Gate Plaza parking lot in Conyers near Highway 138 and Old Salem Road, and ended at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive.

Participants brought five or more dry or canned-good items to fill local food pantry shelves throughout the community.

The Ray Davis Middle School marching band helped provide a spirited tune while leading the walk to Springfield.

"This is a great first event of the year for the community to come together on one accord with positive, powerful energy," Oden said.

The L.C. Palmer Community Service Award was presented to Rockdale resident Jeff Beech, founder of the Light House Village Campus, which offers several community programs.

Palmer, for whom the community service award is named, a deacon at Rockdale Baptist Church and former school principal, was one of the early organizers of the Walk by Faith event.