The Marshalltown Community College Softball team recently spent time volunteering at Meals from the Heartland, a non-profit organization based in Des Moines, IA that is composed of volunteers who package meals for delivery to starving people around the world, including Central Iowa.
The Tigers spent last Thursday pitching in to help package nearly 40,000 meals in under three hours. As an organization, Meals from the Heartland has provided over four million meals every year since 2008, including 10 million meals in 2014. Meals from the Heartland began in 2007.
"One of the biggest parts of our program is community service," MCC head coach Garland Shirley stated. "We're always looking to get involved with our community. Our players really appreciate it and are always willing to go out and help those in need."
MCC sophomore Sarah Ghee (Carlisle, IA/Carlisle) expressed the bond the team formed while packaging meals. "Sometimes serving our community brings our whole team together more than any practice could. The time spent volunteering with my teammates and coaches was valuable to all of us."
Kari Smith (Marshalltown, IA/Marshalltown), a sophomore infielder for the Tigers, appreciated the overall experience of lending a helping hand. "It was an awesome experience. Meals from the Heartland is a place that volunteers can go and serve and package meals for families in other countries, and some of the meals stay right here in Iowa. To do it with my team was really incredible because I was able to see the people I am closest with in action of service for others. We laughed and talked and met new people while we were there packaging food. I would really like to do it again."
The MCC Softball season opens up on February 26. For a complete schedule, visit: 2016 Softball Schedule
