In Minnesota, U.S., members of Key Club and Builders Club joined Kiwanians to feed hungry kids.
By Zak Mohamed, Fridley High School Key Club
On a crisp Friday morning, the Fridley Community Center in Minnesota, U.S., buzzed with energy, laughter and a rhythmic gong of celebration. Why, you ask? Because 80 volunteers from all corners of the Fridley community gathered for one powerful mission: to fight hunger, one oatmeal packet at a time.
This is Harvest Pack, a high-energy, heart-filled event where our service shines bright. The outcome was nothing short of incredible. Together, students, community members and service leaders packed a staggering 32,488 oatmeal meals, all of which are now helping to feed local elementary school students over weekends.
Community in action
The event was a shining example of what happens when generations come together for a cause. Sixty enthusiastic Key Club members took the lead in running stations, pouring oats, sealing bags, boxing meals and keeping the energy high.
But they weren’t alone. Ten members from the Builders Club rolled up to help and worked with focus and pride. From the adult side of the Kiwanis family, 10 Kiwanians joined in — seven from the Kiwanis Club of Columbia Heights-Fridley and three from the Kiwanis Club of Northeast Minneapolis. Each volunteer brought something special to the table, whether it was experience, speed, encouragement or just a knack for scooping oats without spilling.
These weren’t just any oatmeal packets. Every meal will be placed into the backpacks of elementary students across communities, ensuring that they won’t go hungry when they head home for the weekend. It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact: One meal can make a difference in a child’s weekend.
Knowing this, each volunteer moved with purpose. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t have a little fun along the way.
Our gong show
One of the most memorable parts of the event was the gong. Each time a box was filled and sealed shut, a volunteer would strike a shining gong, its loud clang echoing throughout the room, triggering cheers and applause from all corners. The gong became a symbol of teamwork and progress — a fun way to celebrate every step toward our meal goal.
While the packing stations worked tirelessly to fill thousands of bags, another team kept the operation running smoothly. Volunteers helped refill ingredients, supplied stations with everything from oats to cinnamon, and loaded heavy boxes onto trucks. These harvest heroes were the heartbeat of the event, making sure no station ever slowed down.
In fact, events like Harvest Pack do more than feed kids. They inspire a culture of compassion and community action. During the day, our team packed enough meals to make a real dent in local food insecurity. Everyone who volunteered left knowing they took part in something meaningful
As the last box was sealed, there was a shared sense of pride — along with a little oatmeal dust on our clothes. After all, we didn’t just pack food. We packed hope.