By Cristian Romero
The Scene staff
Nine Forest Park students in the St. Louis Community College Veterans Club were part of a well-oiled machine this month, helping to pack 281 boxes of food to feed hungry children around the world.
The students joined 200 other volunteers at Kennedy Recreation Complex in south St. Louis County for the project. It was spearheaded by Feed the Need STL, a partnership of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Feed My Starving Children organization.
“We’ve done 13 different charitable events under the veterans organization in the past year,” said District Manager George Herrera, 46.
“I chose this event because the goal of our organization is to assist transitioning and current service members in their civilian life, as well as to show that, even when they’re done with the military, they can still serve, not just their nation but community as well.”
The packing took place on Sept. 9. The 281 boxes contained enough food to provide 691 meals to children who live in countries where malnutrition is common.
“It’s a really neat event that allows people all ages and backgrounds to come together and work towards an amazing charitable cause,” said Bob Debolt, 56, charity director for the Veterans Club.
Feed the Need STL has provided more than a million meals to hungry children since it was founded in 2007. The food is given to non-profit organizations and humanitarian aid programs, which distribute it mainly in Caribbean nations, South America and Central America.
It costs $88 to feed one child one meal a day for a year, according to the Feed the Need STL website.
“I’m proud of being a veteran and my military service,” said Mirella Figueroa Lopez, 51, a cybersecurity student and Veterans Club treasurer who helped with the packing. “That’s what I love. So that’s why I decided to join the event.
“I’m passionate when it comes to helping people, especially the children, serving others in need.”
Founded in 2011, the Veterans Club has 382 members in the STLCC district, including 165 on the Forest Park campus, where it’s most active.
Any student who is a veteran or an active or inactive member of the guard or reserves is eligible to join the club. Family members are encouraged to volunteer during events.
“We want our volunteer opportunities to be a family atmosphere, where all are welcomed,” Herrera said. “All our volunteer opportunities are open to other clubs throughout the district because we believe there is strength in community.”
