Sikeston, Missouri - Want to change the world? On the weekend of May 17th and 18th, you will have an opportunity to do just that through the collaborative effort known as Hope Epidemic. In the past, this event has dispatched over 1000 volunteers across the southeast Missouri region to perform acts of kindness. This year the event has a new purpose and direction.

“6200 children around the world die each day from starvation. That’s not ok with this team (the group of community organizers),” says Brad Aycock, one of the coordinators. This year, volunteers from across the southeast Missouri region will join forces to pack 200,000 meals that will be sent to regions in Haiti, Africa, and other critical areas to feed kids as part of the “Feed My Starving Children” MobilePack project.

Many individuals, as well as over 30 area churches are teaming up to bring this event to the area. “We need all hands on deck to help us serve. We have to get 1000 people to help. Volunteers can signup to serve a two-hour shift on the Saturday (17th) or Sunday (18th), or both. You will literally be helping to save lives,” says Mary Ann Moyers, another coordinator.

Individuals can also make a donation to the event. Each meal costs .22. For $80, a child can be fed for an entire year. “Feeding hungry children is not a religious thing,” says Pastor Rick Lovall of Sanctuary Church, one of the partnering organizations.

Aycock adds, “The need is too great to ignore. All are invited to come and help pack the “Manna” packs, which contains six meals in each bag. There are no other options. If these children do not eat, they die.” The event takes place in Sikeston, Missouri at the warehouse of the former “Sikeston Supply” located at 912 South Main Street.

“Feed My Starving Children” is an organization located in Minnesota. They setup these mobile pack events across the country, wherever they can find people and funding. FMSC states their mission as “Feeding God’s Starving Children Hungry in Body and Spirit”

“This event will actually save the lives of hundreds of kids, but it will also change those who are serving,” says Aycock. At this event, people will also learn about local, ongoing community service projects to get involved with in the future. "We hope that what begins as an obligation, will become a lifestyle," concludes Aycock. To learn more how to serve and/or to donate, visit hopeepidemic.org or call 573.620.0587