Meal packing project takes on greater urgency following earthquake in Haiti
More volunteers needed for third annual event on Aug. 31-Sept. 2
- Packing meals at MAES
By Tom Larson
Sun Tribune
Working to help starving children in Haiti get food is always an urgent endeavor. But this year, the need probably is as great as it could ever be.
The massive earthquake that decimated Haiti earlier this year has left even more people in dire need, and it led the Feed My Starving Children organization to ask communities participating in food packing events to churn out even more meals.
Morris-area residents for a third year will pack meals for Haitians, many more of whom are homeless and lacking food this year.
“(FMSC) sent 17 million meals to Haiti in the first six weeks after the disaster,” said organizer Tamala Sperr. “That’s usually what’s sent every six months. It’s because of the disaster.”
This year’s FMSC Mobile Pack Event, sponsored by area churches, is Aug. 31-Sept. 2, at the Morris Area Elementary School cafeteria.
About 100 volunteers are need for each shift each day. To sign up, individuals or groups can call (320) 589-2808 or send email to Kayla@mefc.net.
The two-hour shifts are 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 31.
The Sept. 1 shifts are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Sept. 2 shifts are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The FMSC organizers are hoping to pack 200,000 meals this year. The event produced almost 161,000 meals last year, and the total was about 150,000 the first year.
Each of the meal packets cost 17 cents, so FMSC needs to raise $34,000 for 200,000 meals. To donate, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.fmsc.org/mobilepack/donate" www.fmsc.org/mobilepack/donate.
“The meals are very much needed, no question,” Sperr said.
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