Volunteers help feed Haitian earthquake victims

The Haitian relief effort continues in Wilmington. More than one hundred people packed thousands of meals for Haitains, still suffering after last month’s earthquake.

Every time volunteers heard the sound of the gong, there was mass cheering. The excitement signified another thousand meals weighed, sealed and packaged to go to Haiti.

“This is the first time I’ve ever helped do something,” volunteer, Mary Cowand said, “I don’t mind giving money, but its wonderful to help do something also.”

Parishoners at the Cape Fear Presbyterian Church raised about five thousand dollars to buy the meals, provided by the national organization, Stop Hunger Now. The event took place in the church’s gymnasium.

“We did 16 thousand meals in a little over an hour. Pretty cool,” event organizer Tamlyn Sheilds said.

About 150 volunteers showed up to lend a helping hand.

“There were all different ages, all different races, from all different places, so that was awesome,” Sheilds said. “People need to feel involved, and do something tangible and this was an easy way to do that.”

The meals will head to a warehouse in Greensboro; joining one hundred thousand more waiting to be shipped.

For some, packing up food for the body was food for the soul.

“It really touches my heart that I get to help people that are far away,” 11-year-old volunteer, Maria Fernandez said.

Organizers of the event say the turnout was larger than expected. The meals assembled Friday night will arrive in Haiti in about two weeks.