Community Mobilizes to Pack Food for Hungry Kids

HILMAR, CA (February 2, 2012) – Nearly 1,500 volunteers from the local school district, businesses, and civic organizations filled the gym of Hilmar Covenant Church to participate in a food-packing event the congregation organized to benefit Feed My Starving Children (FMSC).

The volunteers worked during six two-hour shifts to pack bags of food for hungry kids around the world, says pastor Dan Johnson. The church labeled the event MobilePack.

The local community also benefited from the experience, says Johnson. “Their awareness of the issue of global hunger has been raised, and they realize how possible it is for them to make a difference in the wider world. They also experienced our community in a new, richer way through doing this activity together.”

Johnson especially praises the Hilmar School District. “They were incredible,” he says. The entire school board packed meals, the superintendent of schools volunteered for two shifts, the high school football team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes were involved.

The elementary school principals and teachers left school early to pack food at the first shift. “One fourth grade teacher even brought her whole class as a ‘field trip’ so they could be involved too,” Johnson says.

MobilePack also highlighted the denomination’s commitment to compassion, mercy, and justice, Johnson says.

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