Over 400 people gathered in Spreckels Park to package 31,179 meals for hungry children in the Dominican Republic.
Spreckels Park was host to a massive meal packing event Sunday, November 2, 2014. Over four hundred volunteers gathered in the center of town to learn about hunger and help those in need. “Lentils, spice, chicken, rice!” could be heard over and over as volunteers of all ages assembled some 30,179 meals that will feed children in the Dominican Republic.
The meal packing event was organized through Children of the Nations (COTN) with the main driving force coming from Coronado churches and community groups. It was a huge undertaking, but provided an opportunity for those of us who live in this wonderful community to do something very significant for children in need.
Volunteers walked through different tents set up to illustrate life in the Dominican Republic and other poor nations.
The experience included a walk through different tents with pictures and props to give volunteers a visual idea of what life is like in the Dominican Republic. There was information available for adopting a child and different stations for the preparation of the meals. Volunteers assembled around a six foot table, ten people to each table, each volunteer with a separate job; two bag holders, lentil pourer, spice pourer, chicken pourer and rice pourer, two scale attendants (weighed each bag) the runner and the table captain. The runner would wait until the bin at the end of the table was full and then “run” it over to a different area where volunteers would seal the bags.
Once filled, bags were taken to this table for sealing.
The sealed bags were put into cardboard boxes and then carried to a different area for loading onto a truck. There was also a box preparation area where volunteers decorated and assembled the boxes that would carry the meals.
COTN Founder and International President Chris Clark addressed the crowd. Chris and his wife shared their experiences with the attendees and helped volunteers visualize life without so many of the things we enjoy in Coronado; things we may consider simple, like attending school each day and having pajamas to wear to bed and a warm meal to enjoy. The meals packaged during this event have a vitamin pack that provides 2,000 calories to the beneficiary. It will likely be the only meal the child has for the day.
Reverend Lisa Johnson, Assistant Minister at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Coronado, offered very inspiring words to the volunteer group. “We are so blessed by our lives here in Coronado that I feel it is our purpose to share our blessings with others locally and internationally.” Spreckels park is a fitting venue because so many moments are shared by people surrounded by music, food and fellowship. “I can think of no more beautiful use of our park than coming together here to serve and bless others.”
Filled bags were corralled in this bin before being sealed. Volunteers of all ages were welcome to help at this event.
The meal packaging event was possible because of the cooperation of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Coronado Community Church, Graham Memorial, Coronado Boy Scout Troops, Rotary Club of Coronado, Optimist Club of Coronado and members of the general public.
The goal for next year is that the community can come together to package 60,000 meals. Each meal costs 25 cents, plus the shipping costs, so more financial partners will be necessary.
The many volunteers were so efficient that the work was completed earlier than expected.
Miss Coronado, Susanna Wiggins, and Miss Teen Coronado, Katie Hearther, volunteered their time.
For more information about Children of the Nations, visit their website or contact Amber Kaiser at [email protected] or call (619) 806-8499.
Kellee Hearther
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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