Cheerful givers
Second-grader Violet Vogel adds seasoning to a pack of food at the fourth annual food packing party for North Idaho Christian School on Thursday. The school packs 10,000 meals annually through Feed the Hunger, a Christian nonprofit organization. HANNAH NEFF/Press
In center, second-grader Curry Felt catches a meal package to bring to the next step of the assembly line during the food packing party at North Idaho Christian School on Thursday. HANNAH NEFF/Press
On left, second-grader Abby Zylstra helps package meals at the food packing party at North Idaho Christian School on Thursday. HANNAH NEFF/Press
In center, second-grader Curry Felt jumps to catch a meal package at the North Idaho Christian School packing party on Thursday. HANNAH NEFF/Press
Second-grader Savannah Dorman packs a meal while supervised by volunteer Mary Cate at North Idaho Christian School's packing party on Thursday. HANNAH NEFF/Press
They’re giving back, and cheerfully.
The nearly 250 kids at North Idaho Christian School revisited their packing skills for their annual meal packing party last week.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to help people,” said 10th-grader Janelle Shaporda. “We’re doing it for God’s glory.”
In hourlong shifts throughout the school day, older students helped younger students pack 10,000 meals of soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, rice and seasoning to distribute to orphanages and secondary schools in Haiti.
“It’s really fulfilling,” said 10th-grader Malia Giesbrecht.
The students put the meals together in the school gym.
Second-grade boys Vin Lackey, Curry Felt and James Cox formed a transfer line and shouted with delight as the older kids tossed them packaged meals to hand over to the next station.
Shaporda said she enjoyed working with the little kids.
She said sometimes the students get an opportunity to see pictures of the orphanages or other organizations receiving the packages.
“It’s great to see the little kids smiling,” Shaporda said. “I know they’re very thankful.”
This is the fourth year the school has partnered with Feed the Hunger, a Christian nonprofit organization. The money for the meals comes from a portion of money the school fundraises for equipment, remodeling needs and more.
School communications director Jennifer Scott said this year they need acoustic paneling for the gym, new bathroom stalls and a remodel for the lunchroom.
The kids fundraise for five weeks and pack the meals through their Feed the Need packing party at the end of the five weeks to give back.
“We call it tithing,” Scott said. “What you’re blessed with you give back. So we give back a portion of what we’ve raised for the school.”
About 25% of the money raised goes back into the packing party.
“This is a way for them to get involved, serve other people and help,” Scott said. “We thought it was a perfect match.”
