Nearly 400 volunteers came together at Clarion University’s Gemmell Student Complex on Saturday to feed the needy in Clarion County.
The event brought together volunteers of all ages to pack 10,000 meals that will be distributed during the school year to children in every school district in Clarion County, according to the Rev. Trent Kirkland, of Zion Church in Clarion, who was one of the local event organizers.
Generosity Feeds Clarion County was made possible with the cooperation of Generosity Feeds, a Virginia-based nonprofit.
The food is freeze-dried and includes black beans, rice, a spice mix beef base and dried vegetables. The preparation directions are on the back of the bag.
Winske said it is an easy and quick way for children to prepare a meal.
“We are working with churches that have already adopted schools. So right now, there is a church that provides meals for kids in Clarion Area and Clarion-Limestone,” Kirkland said. “Every school has a church that has adopted them.
“During the school year they are gathering bananas, apples, oranges and fruit snacks, so we are actually working with those churches to supplement what they are doing.
It is the first time the event has been held in Clarion, and Kirkland said the university has been “super-supportive” in the effort.
“We had to raise $10,000, and that was raised by various clubs, businesses, local churches and individual donations. That is how this all came to be,” he said.
In addition, many of the volunteers were Clarion University students.
“We decided to volunteer our time and help out,” said Hunter Barger, who was there with three other members of the Clarion University track and field team. “This is something good to do.”