On Friday, August 22nd Lake Area United Way will host their second Pack-a-Palooza meal packing extravaganza at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. Pack-a-Palooza is part of the United Way’s Day of Caring, an annual event that celebrates volunteerism throughout the communities it serves. Last year’s Pack-a-Palooza had over 180 volunteers who packed 50,000 meals in 3 hours. The goal for this year’s event is to have over 250 volunteers pack 100,000 meals that will be distributed to local hunger relief organizations to feed hungry children, families, and seniors. Pack-a-Palooza will be held from 9am to noon. There will also be a Kick-Off Breakfast held at 8:30am for all Lake County Day of Caring volunteers also held at Avalon Manor.
“Pack-a-Palooza is a perfect example of how we can all Live United and collectively address the hunger issue in our area. Last year we received such a positive response to the event that we knew we had to make it even bigger and better this year,” said Lou Martinez, President/CEO of Lake Area United Way. “We are also extremely grateful for the generous support of our partners BP, Solvay, and Kids Against Hunger for helping bring this opportunity back for a second year.”
Volunteers are still needed. Participants can sign up as individuals or as a team to help pack the meals. Registration is available online at www.lauw.org until Friday, August 15th. To help meet this year’s increased goal, participants are also encouraged to take the 100,000 Meal Challenge to help raise the meals. Each meals costs just 25?. Fundraising is not a requirement to participate in Pack-a-Palooza, but it is encouraged. For more information, please contact Megan Sikes at 219-923-2302 ext. 311 or msikes@lauw.org.