“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” -- Margaret Mead

Your donations make a difference in more ways than you might realize. 

In addition to providing nutrition and hope to children who receive our food, donations bring hope to those who pack our food, such as the residents of the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.

Feed My Starving Children Development Advisor, Carrie Wiggins, recently worked with the center to set up a 15,000-meal MobilePack event that was funded by donations to FMSC after the event funding never fully materialized.

It was a meaningful experience for the teens at the center, who spoke to a reporter from The Beacon-News.

"I really do want to help others," one 17-year-old said after he'd removed his gloves to shake the reporter’s hand. "But I did not know where to start."

A 16-year-old peer — both were in charge of refilling the rice bins — agreed. "At first I was nervous … I did not know how it would work out, but then I got the hang of it and it's been fun."

The detention center's administrative staff, supervisors, teachers, probation officers and transport drivers from Kane and DuPage counties also packed meals.

By the end, this group of four dozen youth and adults had packed 15,000 meals -- enough to feed 42 kids for a year.

"I don't even feel like I'm in jail,” one teen said.

The packing event was a success for more than one reason for the juvenile center’s program director, Pam Ely.

"It made them feel useful and productive," she told The Beacon-News. "And anything we can do to help them helps us a society, as well."

Email social@fmsc.org if you’re interested in helping fund these special events in correctional facilities.