Article by Katie Ryan-Anderson
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Kiwanis) – A local service project that will provide meals to families in need seeks volunteers at on Oct. 26.
“More than 300 individuals from Jamestown and the surrounding communities volunteer at Kiwanis Against Hunger every year to help children thrive, prosper and grow,” said Angela Martini, Kiwanis member and event co-chair. “We know kids need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the state.”
Martini said the project was selected based on community need.
“About one-third of all North Dakota students rely upon free and reduced lunches during the school day. We worked with Great Plains Food Bank to identify their needs and provide what will really benefit kids in our community.”
Last year, Kiwanis packed 80,000 meals. Within six months, those meals were gone, Martini said.
“I’m glad the meals are so popular,” she said. “However, it’s sad to see so much need for these items.
Kiwanis Against Hunger is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 26 at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. The club needs 300 volunteers to pack 60,000 meals.
“Our goal is to raise $15,000,” Martini said. “At 25 cents per meal, that money allows us to pack 60,000 meals for families in North Dakota and Moorhead, Minn.”
Each meal consists of rice, soy, nutrients and flavoring. Recipients only need add boiling water to create a nutritious meal.
The Kiwanis Against Hunger meals also support Salvation Army and Community Action Region VI. When not supporting those organizations, the Kiwanis club helps Anne Carlsen Center, Jamestown High School Key Club, Camp Rokiwan, Youth for Christ, S.A.F.E. Shelter and Children’s Miracle Network, said Club President Sara Griego. Griego said the club holds several fundraisers each year including Pancake Day to support the projects.
Griego, who has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jamestown for three years, says the club welcomes new members. The club meets at noon Mondays at Quality Inn & Suites. If Monday meetings don’t work, Griego said Kiwanis’ satellite club meets one Tuesday each month at 6:30 p.m.
“Join us at our service project and find out which Kiwanis group is right for you,” said Kiwanis Against Hunger co-chair Tim Perkins. “We have a great time and enjoy planning our fundraisers, too.” The club also sponsors Aktion Club, Key Club and a Builders Club.
“Kids need Kiwanis, now more than ever before, and this Kiwanis Against Hunger is an example of how our club can meet a need in our community,” Perkins said. “This is an opportunity to invest in our community’s children.”
To donate:
- connect with any Kiwanis member
- mail checks to
Jamestown Kiwanis
PO Box 1426
Jamestown, ND 58402
- drop off donations at First Community Credit Union
Read about last year’s packaging event here.
For information about Kiwanis Against Hunger or the Kiwanis Club of Jamestown, visit www.facebook.com/JamestownKiwanis, or email JamestownKiwanis@gmail.com.