To the editor:

The people of Iowa help feed the world, and the people of Fort Dodge and Webster County proved it. On Dec. 3, more than 500 volunteers came forward to help pack nutritious meals for some of the neediest children in the world. In just one day, the volunteers packed 108,864 meals to feed 298 kids for a year. The meals packed in Fort Dodge are on their way to meet needs in North Korea and Mexico. This Fort Dodge MobilePack was a cooperative effort with Feed My Starving Children.

The MobilePack also helps meet needs in our own community. Not only was enough money raised to send the meals overseas, but nearly $9,000 is staying here in Fort Dodge and being distributed to three local organizations that help offset food insecurity. We are delighted to give nearly $3,000 each to the Beacon of Hope Men’s Shelter, the Lord’s Cupboard, and The Salvation Army.

We want to say a huge thank you to all of the churches, civic organizations, foundations, businesses, and individuals who made the MobilePack a success. It is a testimony to the heart of our community to rise up and help others in need. We look forward to seeing the generosity of Fort Dodge shine through again at our 2017 MobilePack scheduled for Dec. 2.

Doug Spencer

Scott Hatton

David Bowser

Fort Dodge MobilePack co-directors

Fort Dodge