Operation Conquer Hunger needs volunteers Saturday to help pack food boxes for local students.
Event Coordinator Josh Malone said volunteers at the event will help pack non-perishable food items into 7,000 food packs that will be donated to the PEP Foundation and the Food To The Rescue.
“We are looking at around 250 volunteers that we would need total,” Malone said. “Right now, we just hit the halfway mark, so we are at 118 signups, so we are just encouraging anyone and everyone. There is no age limit to this, so whether you are five or you’re 105, we would love to have you come out and join us.”
Malone said if enough volunteers show up, the event should only last about an hour and a half. Malone said the food that is packed will be a big help to the ongoing issue of food insecurity in Putnam County.
“Food insecurity is one of those issues that, unless people experience it firsthand, you’re not really aware of the issue,” Malone said. “Through the past couple of weeks, I have been canvassing the city of Cookeville and passing out flyers and I have had several people who have told me that a few years ago, they have relied on these backpack programs for their kids or for their families to be able to have food during times that they were less fortunate.”
Malone said he loves Marvel superheroes. Malone said he wants to combat food insecurity in Putnam County, as it makes him feel like a superhero.
“Being a part of events like this or any other efforts that benefit the community and other people, you are not required to do this, nobody is making you do it, but the fact that you take the time out of your life to give back to other people is one of the best uses of your time in my opinion,” Malone said. “I think that does really make you a real-life superhero.”
Operation Conquer Hunger will take place at CrossFit Mayhem in Cookeville on Saturday beginning at 11am.
