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The Canoga
Park, California, youth group's offering is converted to food.
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Challenge: Feed the Hungry
Community of Christ projects around the United States raised more than
$500,000 in response to the Feinstein Foundation’s $1 million campaign to
fight hunger. This annual initiative inspired 64 Community of Christ groups
to step up efforts to end hunger in their communities through local hunger
agencies.
Groups raised funds and collected food from March 1 to April 30 for
feed-the-hungry organizations. They filed a report and each group will
receive a percentage of Feinstein’s $1 million grant for its local agency.
The 2008 challenge was the 11th for Feinstein. During the first 10 years,
$760 million dollars was raised nationwide. The foundation will distribute
2008 grants in August.
Joyce Carter, of Beverly Hills, Florida, brought the opportunity to the
World Hunger Committee seven years ago and has coordinated this project for
the church ever since. This year marked the most combined dollars raised by
Community of Christ.
Power of One
In the context of this project, individuals have shown how one person can
make a difference in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge—the
challenge to feed the hungry in our own neighborhoods.
Catherine Williamson, of Riverview, Michigan, wrote an article that could
by modified for any group to promote participation in the Feinstein project.
Most Community of Christ groups used her ideas and multiplied their efforts
to feed the hungry in their communities. Catherine set an example and
inspired others to share their ideas as well. The result has been a full set
of tools we can use for years to come.
Lucretia Hawley, of Hamilton, Missouri, is another example of one person
making a significant impact. She is part of a small congregation that raised
about $3,000. In 2007 she challenged her local ministerial alliance and got
everyone involved. She established a tradition that continued for 2008 and
expanded the church’s relationship with the community.
Jerry Lewis talked about the enthusiasm of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, youth.
“The Feinstein Hunger Challenge is greatly anticipated by our Young
Peacemakers Club,” he said. “Eagerly they race from one front door to
another, giving out a thank you from the Feinstein Hunger Challenge and
collecting food.”
Their dedication never wanes. The youth prepare the food for delivery to
the local community service agency and deliver the Feinstein grant. Jerry is
grateful to all those who take part to help alleviate hunger.
Making Connections
We had a very successful fund-raising project for 2008. It was exciting
to see people’s desire to help those around them. What a joy it has been to
work with the Feinstein Foundation and Community of Christ groups to help
end hunger.
—Joyce Carter reporting
August 2008 Herald
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