NEDERLAND - Residents from throughout the Peak to Peak community came together Thursday, October 3 to help feed the hungry around the world.

 More than 50 adults, kids, teenagers, and seniors worked together in the TEENS, Inc. gym to package 10,000 nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals to be distributed around the world by Rise Against Hunger to those experiencing hunger. 

“To think our small but dedicated community in the Rocky Mountains can come together to make a difference in places of need around the world is wonderful” said Paula Gipp, mission elder for the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, which organized the event for the ninth year. “It’s gives everyone so much joy to know they are helping others.”

The 10,000 meals were packaged in less than two hours, with teams working in a production-line style. Each food item was weighed and packaged. The meals were then packed into boxes. Each time another 1,000 meals were packaged, one of the volunteers banged a huge gong to signify the progress through the evening.

Nederland Community Presbyterian Church Minister the Rev. Zach Hancock was joined by his daughter Frances in banging the final gong to signify reaching the 10,000-meal goal.  “Thanks to everyone who supported this effort both financially and by coming out to the event to help package the meals,” Hancock said. “I especially love that the children got to participate and see how they can help others across the world. It is an important lesson for us all at any age.”

  Rise Against Hunger notified the church that the meals packaged at Nederland events during the past eight years have been provided to folks suffering from hunger in South Sudan, El Salvador, Haiti (twice), Cambodia (three times) and Nicaragua. 

  Local businesses, organizations, community and church members made the event possible through sponsorships and donations. In addition to the volunteer labor, the local organizers pay for the food that is packaged. Seventeen local businesses and organizations sponsored the event. 

Sponsors for this year’s Rise Against Hunger event include the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, TEENS, Inc., Peak to Peak Rotary, Nederland Lions Club, Calvary Chapel, Mountain Forum for Peace, The Mountain-Ear, Gaskill Family, Kolterman Family, The Covered Wagon Restaurant, Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse, The Deli at 8326, E1 Design Build Excavation, Homes by Jackie Jones Team/REMAX Alliance Realty, Hub Ned Co-Working, Indian Peaks Ace Hardware, Nederland Feed & Pet, Tres Gringos, Kathmandu Restaurant and B&F Mountain Market. Local businesses buying holiday wreaths to support the event include Blue Owl, Brightwood Music, Hub Ned, Homes by Jackie Jones Team/REMAX Alliance Realty, New Moon Bakery & Cafe, The Shop and Very Nice Brewing.  

  Beginning the event, the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church began selling fresh 22-inch mixed evergreen wreaths with a red bow for $35, to raise the rest of the funds to pay for the packaged food. These beautiful wreaths must be ordered by November 1 and will be delivered beginning November 21. To order a wreath, email gipp.paula@gmail.com.