Project Love Paks gets Boost from Local Women’s Group

Featured Photo: The first shift of Relief Society volunteers at Children’s Hunger Fund. Photo by Robbie Evans

Women from all around Denton County joined forces with a local charity, Children’s Hunger Fund, and the local Food Bank to reach suffering children within their own communities at the close of July in preparation for the start of school. CHF was established in 1991 by the president and founder Dave Phillips. Since then, CHF has worked in the US and around the world to elevate the local churches, leaders, and volunteers to help and uplift the families in their own communities who are in need.

Thomas Russell, the volunteer coordinator for the Children’s Hunger Fund located in Frisco, Texas, worked closely with the leaders of the Relief Society, the women’s organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving 11 different congregations in the Denton area. Julie Freeze, the President of the Relief Society of the Denton congregations, explained:

“We, unfortunately, had to cancel our women’s conference earlier this year due to COVID, and we were looking for a way to serve in the community. We were connected with this amazing charity. And our goal here today is to put together as many food packets as possible.”

The event took place at the CHF facility in Frisco, Texas, in 2-hour shifts. The volunteers were asked to sign up in advance due to space limitations within the facility. There was more desire to serve amongst the women than was initially anticipated. The slots filled up quickly, and additional slots were added to allow all who were willing a chance to participate.

Upon the arrival of the volunteers, Russell gave brief instructions and described the benefit of the few hours each volunteer donated to the cause of fighting hunger:

“I try to give everyone an idea of the impact of what they do in a single workday. I invite everyone to come back so that no one is ever just a first-timer,” Russell commented. “Once you come here, we consider you family, and if you ever need anything, we are here for you.”

Boxes were assembled of easy-to-use items, including spaghetti, tomato sauce, cans of beans, tuna and vegetables, fruit snacks, raisins, applesauce cereal bars, and peanut butter cups. The women did assembly line style work in putting together needed kits and then organized them in order to distribute.

People were asked how they felt about serving, with many different responses. Marsha Felton said in the midst of packing boxes, “I thought this service opportunity was too good to pass up. I came with my daughter, and we were surprised by how organized this was. This is fantastic.”

“I enjoy serving. It’s good to get out of your own environment and do something for someone else,” reported Michelle Bass when asked why she decided to spend her Saturday morning in physical labor.

“We are having a great time as we fill these boxes with food for families who need them,” said Karen Parker. “Although at times we are caught up in our own lives, everyone came together with smiles on their faces and expressed an overwhelming sense of unity as they dedicated time and money to helping those in need.”

“We want to bring hope to the children of our community,” Freeze said as the project wrapped up, ” and we just want them to feel our love.”