Many from area join to help fight hunger
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<p class="p1"><a href="http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/index.cfm" target="_blank">University of Illinois Extension</a> teamed up with several organizations, including local 4-H groups, for the first Illini Fighting Hunger event in Southern Illinois at Shawnee Community College on Saturday, Nov. 15.</p><p class="p2">The goal was for volunteers to fill rice-based packages to give to local pantries and school backpack programs.</p><p class="p2">Volunteers came from the southernmost counties in Illinois. All the packaged meals will stay within Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Johnson and Union counties.</p><p class="p2">In these counties, 16 percent, or 9,130 people, face food insecurity, according to 2012 Feeding America.</p><p class="p2">Among those who volunteered were 4-H clubs, churches, the Shawnee Community College Agriculture Club, students from the college and other interested helpers. </p><p class="p2">Dena Wood, program coordinator, 4-H and youth development for Alexander, Pulaski and Union counties, said there were several more volunteers than organizers had expected.</p><p class="p2">The goal was to package 50,000 meals. Workers exceeded that goal; they continued to work until all of the supplies were used.</p><p class="p2">The U of I Extension voiced appreciation to all of those who helped, including:</p><p class="p2">Illini Fighting Hunger; Shawnee Community College; Tim Bellemey, SCC president; ADM; Dave Stewart, ADM; Ryan Thurston, ADM; CGB Mound City; Martin Rice Company; Wilburn Farms and Dozer Service; Rex Wilburn, Pulaski County commissioner.</p><p class="p2">Jason Taylor; Jay Hogendobler, River Ag; HCE volunteers and donors; Ryan Britton Farms; Salem Lutheran Church, Jonesboro; Shawnee Development Council; Bill Million, state 4-H office; Gregory Damhurst, Wesley Foundation.</p><p class="p2">Southern Seven Health Department; University of Illinois Extension staff and spouses; 4-H parents and volunteers; SCC Agriculture Club; SCC volunteers; SCC Ambassadors. </p><p class="p2">Massac County Clever Clovers; Happy Hillbillies; Choate's Lads and Lassies; Johnson County Clever Clovers; Helping Hands; Pulaski County 4H Explorers; Alexander County Horseshoe Lakers; Villa Ridge Ag.</p><p class="p2">Reaching for the Stars; Ag Shak Traditions; Johnson County Shooting Sports; MCML 4H Club; Lick Creek 4-H; Triple E Bar-BQ; K103 live remote broadcast; Goreville Lucky Lakers; A-J Clever Clovers; Ridge Runners and others.</p>