In partnership with Feed6-Outreach, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 hosted its 11th annual meal packaging event at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. Events like this help local families, kids, veterans, and senior citizens.
Nearly 200 volunteers - students, staff, and community members - joined forces to package nutritious meals of pasta in basil marinara sauce for neighbors in need. Together, they packed 32,281 meals, taking the total number of meals packed at OLHMS events to over 350,000.
"Engaging in community service at a young age helps students develop a passion for making a difference, encouraging them to continue giving back throughout their lives,” said Heather McCarthy, OLHMS Media Specialist.
OLHMS alum and current Oak Lawn Community High School senior Dylan W. was honored for his dedicated service with the Feed6 Organization at the event. Starting at the age of 13 at OLHMS, Dylan has attended dozens of Feed6 events, earned over 300 service hours, and has personally impacted the preparation of over 1.5 million meals for neighbors in need. This Saturday’s event marked his fifth anniversary, and this milestone was celebrated with his family, coaches, school principals, basketball teammates, and fellow Feed6 volunteers.
Feed6 is proud of Dylan and values his character and compassion as he is an inspiring model for young adults everywhere.
"Community service events like meal packaging teach our middle school students empathy, teamwork, and the importance of giving back," McCarthy said.
Student reflections on the Feed6 event:
"Feed 6 was a very enjoyable experience for me. I believe that everyone should have the right and ability to eat no matter who they are, where they live, or what they do. I wanted to make sure that I give back to my community and to the less fortunate. Our school taking the time to prepare and host this event makes me feel grateful that I am able to be a part of such a caring and supportive community."-Nivea B.
"During Feed 6, our team had a lot of fun. Every time we completed another box, we did a short celebration, which kept our energy up. It was great seeing everyone working hard together to help feed people who couldn’t afford food. I also enjoyed talking to new people and getting along with others while working as a team. Overall, it was an amazing experience, especially knowing we were helping pack food bags for people in need."-Scarlet G.
"Doing Feed6 made me feel good as a person because I knew that I really was helping my community and those who needed it."-Gabby C.
"Feed6 was fun and exciting. It was my first year doing it, but it won't be my last."-Olivia H.
"Feed6 was a great and fun experience. I really like it and would love to do it again."-Myah T.
