Residents from throughout the Peak to Peak community came together Thursday, September 28, to help feed the hungry around the world. More than 75 adults, kids, teenagers, and seniors packaged 10,000 nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals to be distributed around the world by Rise Against Hunger to those experiencing hunger.

“I think it’s pretty amazing that our community can affect that many lives around the world in a positive way,” said Paula Gipp, mission elder for the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, which organized the event for the eighth year. “It is gratifying to see so many people – of all ages – give their time and energy to help others.”

The meal packaging was accomplished in less than two hours through a production-line effort, with several teams working together to accomplish their tasks. 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 present banged a huge gong to signify the progress through the evening.

Nederland Community Presbyterian Church minister Rev. Zach Hancock and his daughter Frances banged the final gong to signify reaching the 10,000 meal goal. He thanked everyone for coming and participating in the community-wide effort.

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. In this first year of seeking financial support from the local business community, more than 15 businesses 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, Covered Wagon Restaurant, Mountain Forum for Peace, Thrivent, Alexandra Schwan of the Mountain Home Team of Distinct Real Estate, The Deli at 8326, The Rustic Moose, Mark Stringfellow of E1 Modern, Hub Ned, The Mountain-Ear, Nederland Feed & Pet, The Shop, Mountain Man Outdoor Store, B&F Mountain Market, Tadasana Mountain Yoga, Augustina’s Winery, Hair by Holly, New Moon Café, Dam Liquor and Ford & Co. Realty. Additional financial support was provided by the Kolterman Family, the Busch Family, the Kochen Family, Mark Moll, Debbie Stevens, Susan Wagner and the many local businesses who purchased fresh Christmas wreaths.

At the event, the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church began selling fresh 22-inch mixed evergreen wreaths with a red bow for $32, to raise the rest of the funds to pay for the packaged food. Wreaths must be ordered by October 28 and will be delivered beginning November 15. To order a wreath, email gipp.paula@gmail.com. Order a wreath or two today for the upcoming holiday season.