The cafeteria at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School buzzed with energy on a chilly Saturday morning as students, families, and volunteers donned hairnets and aprons, ready to make a difference. For the 11th year, the school hosted its annual Feed6 Meal Packing event, transforming its gymnasium into an assembly line of kindness.
“Community service is so important for middle school students because it fosters empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility toward helping others,” Heather McCarthy, Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School media specialist, said. “It provides a hands-on opportunity to address food insecurity, helping students understand their impact on their community.”
McCarthy was responsible for organizing the initiative that began in 2013, born out of a partnership between the school and Feed6, an organization that coordinates meal-packing events across the Midwest. The program allows communities to combat hunger locally by assembling fortified macaroni and cheese meals. Each package has a two-year shelf life, serves six children, and includes soy and vitamins to enhance its nutritional value. This year, the event achieved a significant milestone: the creation of 30,000 meals, bringing the school’s cumulative total to nearly 318,000 since the program’s inception.
“No matter who you are, or where you come from, you should always take time to help others,” Nivea Bland, 18, of Oak Lawn and an eighth grader at Oak Lawn Community High School (OLCHS), said.
Bland joined 150 volunteers, young and old, in the school’s cafeteria at 5345 99th St. on Saturday morning. All participants worked in organized assembly lines, carefully measuring macaroni, soy, and nutrient-rich cheese mix. Each package was weighed for accuracy, sealed, and labeled before being boxed for delivery to local food pantries.
“This gives us the chance to help others and make a difference, especially during the holidays,” Yara Ait-Mohammed, 13, of Oak Lawn and an eighth grader at OLCHS, said.
Community engagement like that of Ait-Mohammed is what drives the program’s success, McCarthy said.
“What I enjoy most about holding this annual meal packaging event is witnessing the incredible power of our community coming together for a shared purpose,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see people of all backgrounds working side by side, united by a common goal to make a difference. This event reminds us of the strength we have when we collaborate for the greater good.”
Students themselves raised funds, with each participant contributing at least $30 to cover the costs of ingredients and supplies. Several local organizations, including Alive Church, the Oak Lawn Lions Club, Boy Scouts, and volunteers from nearby schools, helped as well.
Twenty-three students acted as event leaders, overseeing logistics, replenishing supplies, and ensuring smooth operations at the 12 assembly lines. The leadership opportunities reinforced the program’s commitment to youth development and responsibility.
All 32,000 meals were delivered beginning the week before Christmas by District 123 Community Liaison Officer Larry Fetchko.
More than 20 organizations received the food prepared during the event, including St. Linus and St. Catherine food pantries, Trinity Lutheran Pads, and the PLOWS Council on Aging. The effort ensures that the impact extends well beyond the walls of the school.
“Even the smallest act of kindness can help so many people,” Hannah Nieft, 13, of Oak Lawn and an eighth grader at OLCHS, said.
For many participants, the day offered more than just service—it was a chance to connect with others and foster a spirit of giving. Volunteers described the joy of teamwork and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference. The experience reinforced lessons in empathy, teamwork, and community responsibility.
In a decade of service, the event has become a cornerstone of the school’s culture, embodying the spirit of the holiday season. As Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School continues its partnership with Feed6, it remains a shining example of how local efforts can create ripples of impact in the fight against food insecurity.