Feed the Need! 2025 returns to help others worldwide
With an ambitious goal to pack more than 800,000 meals, Feed the Need! is entering its 14th year of fighting hunger worldwide.
Thousands of volunteers will take part in the 2025 event in support of Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) from Friday, March 7, through Sunday, March 9, at Benedictine University’s Dan and Ada Rice Center in Lisle. Volunteers will pack balanced and nutritious meals containing vitamin powder, dehydrated vegetables, soy and rice, feeding nearly 2,200 children impacted by malnutrition.
“This year we will eclipse over 10 million meals in total through these Feed the Need! Illinois MobilePack events in our community,” said Dan Hebel, MobilePack Chair. “We continue to reach out to groups in the Lisle, Naperville, and surrounding community and love the generosity and support.”
More than 30 religious, educational, civic, corporate and community organizations have already pledged their support, and that number is expected to grow as the event gets closer. Hebel is anticipating having close to 4,000 volunteers.
“There is something incredible when 600 or 700 volunteers fill up the arena at Benedictine University for a two-hour shift, to pack food, save lives and provide hope to thousands of children around the world in need,” Hebel said. “I can’t think of better ways for our community to come together and spend their time and resources. And it’s so exciting to see the impact it makes on those that volunteer. Serving together, having fun, alongside friends and strangers alike — all with a common goal to give hope to kids through food. At the end of each shift the volunteers are told the impact they made with some tangible, real numbers, and it really does make an impact here in our community.”
Gerald Auto Group is the largest business sponsor of the 2025 Feed the Need! event.
“Not only do they commit with a large and generous financial donation, but their team of volunteers continues to grow year over year,” Hebel said. “It’s awesome to see their team in action and all the generosity that their organization provides to our community and our world.”
Donna Lawler of the Gerald Auto Group said Gerald is proud to be part of Feed the Need! each year.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to give back in a meaningful way,” Lawler said. “Our team is honored to support an event that not only provides meals to children in need but also brings the community together with a shared purpose of making a difference.”
Packing timeslots are still available to the general public. Monetary donations are also accepted. For more information on Feed the Need!, visit feedtheneedillinois.org. For more information on the Gerald Auto Group, visit geraldcares.com.