West End Presbyterian Church is preparing once again to host and participate with Rise Against Hunger, formerly known as Stop Hunger Now, with the goal to end hunger worldwide by 2030. Faith communities and organizations across the Sandhills area are in partnership with Rise Against Hunger for this effort. West End community churches committed to this mission include Grace Church, Seven Lakes Baptist Church, Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines and West End United Methodist Church
Join hands to lend a hand on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 8:30 am until 11:00 am at the Crawford Center on the church campus. All people from the greater community are encouraged to commit these few hours to make such a difference in the lives of others. At just 29 cents each, these meals are distributed through global partners to school food programs, orphanages, health clinics and other agencies. There is a growing focus on education and the empowerment of women in these countries to assist in enabling them toward providing for their families.
Everyone can participate from young children who are runners to senior citizens who, if they wish, can sit at a table to weigh and seal the packets. Others can be at one of the many filling stations where the dried ingredients and rice are measured to fill the packets. Some of the young adults and teens with strong backs keep supplies at the ready at the stations. Music is played and a gong sounds at each 1000 packet mark. Last year in just two hours a record 62,208 meals were packaged by more than 200 community volunteers. Each meal packet provides 4-6 meals.
Area churches and organizations have provided both financial and volunteer support. Children and youth from area scout troops have come as a group to help. Volunteer groups from some churches and organizations come wearing tee shirts identifying them as a group proud to be there.
The total amount of funds provided determines the number of meals to be packaged. Another way to help if you cannot participate on Saturday, September 14 is to donate toward the funds needed through churches and organizations that are commited to this mission or to West End Presbyterian Church indicating that this donation is for Rise Against Hunger. Over the past seven years of this event, the churches and people of the greater community have gathered to support and package more than 344,200 meals. At the end of their morning work, volunteers know they have done something very special.
West End Presbyterian Church is located at 275 Knox Lane. Contact the church at www.westendpres.church or at (910) 673-4341.
