Vale Church Does Its Part to Stop Hunger Now

hosted an event that packaged 30,000 meals in an effort to stop global hunger.

The food-packaging event was for Stop Hunger Now, a nonprofit international hunger relief organization, and the March 16 event marked the second time the church has participated.

The Rev. Tracy McNeil Wines said the event is right at the heart of the church's mission.

"We're especially interested in reaching out to people who are either homeless or dealing with food insecurity," she said. "A number of the things we deal with relate to that anyway, so it matches really well."

Congregants raised money to bring the materials to the church for volunteers to package. Slowly but surely the church was able to up the number of meals from 10,000 to 30,000 thanks to donors' generosity.

"This year we were optimistic, but we were realistic because of the economy and we weren't sure how much people would be able to give," said Monica Barricks, a church member and event organizer. "Then we raised the $2,500 required for 10,000 meals on the first day, so I knew we'd be able to reach for a higher goal."

Volunteers of all ages showed up to package meals, something Barricks said is one of her favorite things about the event.

"You have people who physically can't stand helping out at the tables, and then you have kids who are 5 years old working along side them," she said.

Sisters Jordan, 14, and Katie Allison, 7, helped set up tables and stations then stuck around to help package the food with the rest of the volunteers.

"We came just because we want to help. We like helping people, and that's what this is about," Jordan said.