ABOUT

Feed My Starving Children is a not-for-profit Christian-based organization out of Minnesota (see www.FMSC.org). Their goal is to help some of the most acutely impoverished children in the world. They serve over 60 countries. 94% of the funding they receive goes towards the food production and 6% is used for administration. For the Ithaca MobilePack event, 100% of the financial help goes directly towards the food packed.

Feed My Starving Children operates four full-time food packaging facilities in the Midwest. In addition, for big community events (100,000 meals or larger), they offer the opportunity for people to participate in what they call "MobilePack" events. During these events people take bulk, nutritionally balanced food of four types (rice, vegetables, soy, and vitamins) and combine them into smaller meal packets. These packets are then boxed and shipped to villages, where agencies distribute the food for at least one full year at the same location. Each meal currently costs $.19 to pack (the Ithaca event contracted for $.17 a meal last year).

Stephen volunteered last September during the Ithaca MobilePack event with his Cub Scout Pack. He was motivated to work hard and efficiently as he scooped the ingredients. He felt great pride in knowing that his efforts were helping those in dire need. He is excited to lend his hands again this fall to the Ithaca MobilePack event for Feed My Starving Children.

Stephen has become very interested in making rubber band bracelets and charms. He has learned different designs from friends and by watching videos on YouTube. It has been a positive way for him to learn about persistence and patience as he learns and as he makes mistakes and must try again! After Stephen made a triple single band bracelet as a Valentine for each one of his classmates this year, we joked with him that he could start a small business!

Well, this is what has resulted. Stephen has combined his love of making band bracelets with his heart for helping those in need...Stephen's Bands of Hope. Stephen has featured 10 different syles of bracelets from which you can choose. He can customize the bracelets with the colors you would like. Based on the time taken to make the bracelet and the amount of bands used to make it, Stephen has decided on a price for each one. When it comes time to pay for your bracelet(s), click on the CrowdRise link on the "PAY" page to make your payment. Your payment will go directly to Feed My Starving Children. You are also welcome to donate more than the suggested bracelet donation amount! Thank you so much for your support of Stephen's service project!