Kids fighting hunger: Local youth package over 5,000 meals for those in need

WELLSBURG - More than sixty kids from around the area gathered at the First Christian Reformed Church in Wellsburg late last month to package up over 5,000 meals for those in need.
Pastor Steve Mulder of the First Christian Reformed Church said the youngsters were part of a community bible camp organized by 12 area churches, who came together for the service project in Wellsburg.
The group of kids, who ranged from junior high to high school aged, split up into two groups and worked to package the meals, which were then sent to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank to be distributed to local families in need.
Mulder said one of his congregation members came up with the idea to host a food packing event, which fell into place after the local Youth Bible Camp Board decided to look for a service project for kids.
“The kids really had a good time with it,” Mulder said of the packing event. “It not only helped them all get to know each other, but it showed them that even in a community with so much agriculture all around, there are still hungry people.”
The most important lesson the service project taught, in Mulder’s opinion, was helping others.
“I think it showed the kids that they can still make a difference and find joy in working together to help others,” he said.
Mulder said he thought the event was a success, and he hoped the church could be a part of more food packing events in the future.