EIU Media Relations

More Than 100 Eastern Illinois University Athletes Packed 6,000 Meals for Haitian Families

More than 100 Eastern Illinois University student athletes spent their Saturday morning packing 6,000 meals in less than an hour for Haitian families in need at Lantz Area.

The Global Hunger Expedition will transport the meals directly to schools and orphanages in Haiti.

Mark Daily, a Global Hunger Expedition volunteer, collected money from local businesses and supporters to pay for the food and to help transport it to Haiti. In addition, some of the donated money will also go to a local food ministry --Standing Stone Community Center in Charleston -- because Daily said they wanted to support a local organization.

Athletic Director Barbara Burke said most of the athletes gave up their Saturday or came between practices to pack the meals.

“It is important lesson for our athletes that everyone is not as fortunate as them, and that they need to give back,” Burke said.“It is important lesson for our athletes that everyone is not as fortunate as them, and that they need to give back,” Burke said.

One of the packers, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo agreed with Burke after spending his one Saturday off in the fall EIU Panther football season by helping others.

“It sounded like a great idea to help those people who are less fortunate,” Garoppolo said.