By Jeffrey Epstein
Each year, some 270 volunteers, both adults and children, come to the Bedford Rotary’s Meals for Kids event, packaging meals that will help feed hungry children in poor developing countries. But for all the years he has been coordinating the event, the Rotary Club’s Bob Cassidy says he gets the biggest kick from watching the kids.
“It’s a blast!” he says. “I enjoy watching the reaction of the kids” who appreciate that their efforts are assisting other children elsewhere.
The more than 60,000 meal packages expected to be created Saturday, April 21 at the Bedford campus of Middlesex Community College will wind up in various countries, distributed by the organization Rise Against Hunger. “They focus on schools that already have lunch programs,” Cassidy says, in the hope that children who are fed will learn better.
The packages will be assembled in two sessions, 9 to 11 am, and 12 to 2 pm, with different groups of volunteers in each session. Program leaders train volunteers at the start of the session and show them how to perform their packaging duties, Cassidy explained. Hairnets and gloves are provided, and the package elements are laid out on tables, ready for assembly.
To cover the cost of the materials, the Rotary needs to raise $17,000. However, Cassidy explained with a smile, the event has already met the goal with funds of $18,500. Funds were raised in various ways, including events hosted by Ken’s Deli and Flatbread Pizza. Bedford companies BAE and Anika Therapeutics each contributed $5,000, he said, as they have in past years. Volunteers at the event will themselves enjoy contributed food, from Dunkin’ Donuts, Red Heat, and other local merchants.
This will be the sixth time the Rotary has put on the Meals for Kids event, and both adults and children have fun for the good cause, says Cassidy. “We are bringing the community of Bedford together.”
See event details at www.bedfordMArotary.org/MealsForKids.cfm
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