Helping hands complete 70,000 meals in no time
When the call to finish up came, a few folks just wanted to keep packing the meals.
The 230 volunteers at the St. Joseph Church Parish Center had completed more than 50,000 packaged meals in about two hours Saturday morning, and they weren’t ready to stop just yet. However, organizers wanted to give the second shift of volunteers, who were set to arrive at noon, an opportunity to be a blessing for thousands of hungry people as well.
In total, more than 350 people from local churches participated in a food packing event organized by St. Joseph Catholic Church, resulting in over 70,000 meals being prepared. This was the first time the church had hosted the mission.
Organizer Courtney Schmidt recognized the day as a success.
“I’m thrilled with the turnout,” she said. “Everyone’s really enjoying themselves. There are younger families here, there are babies wearing hairnets.”
While the volunteers formed conveyors of food measuring, pouring, packing and sealing, church staff and clergy kept the spirits up, leading them in worship songs and encouraging words.
While most of the meals are heading to developing countries like Haiti, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, 7,000 will stay right here in Dubois County, going to a local food bank.
