The Kiwanis Club of Woodhaven is once again bringing the community together for a powerful day of service as it hosts the 15th Annual Kids Coalition Against Hunger food packing event on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Woodhaven Upper Elementary School.
This meaningful event gives students the opportunity to make a real difference by packaging nutritious meals for those facing hunger - both locally and around the world. The goal for this year’s event is ambitious and inspiring: 25,000 meals packed in a single day.
All Woodhaven-Brownstown School District students in grades 3 through 6 are invited to participate, along with students from the Brownstown Middle School Charity Club and National Junior Honor Society. In addition, the event is supported by student leaders from the Woodhaven High School Varsity Hockey Team and WHS Robotics Squad, who will serve as role models and mentors throughout the day.
This truly is a district-wide effort. The Kiwanis Club of Woodhaven is working in partnership with staff and PTOs from Bates, Erving, Gudith, Wegienka, Woodhaven Upper Elementary, and Yake Elementary Schools, as well as Brownstown Middle School, to make the day a success.
While the project is designed to be student-led, adult volunteers are essential. Parents, family members, and community volunteers are encouraged to help supervise and support students during the packing process. All children will be supervised by school staff, PTO members, Woodhaven Kiwanians, and WHS student leaders, but additional helping hands are always welcome.
The impact of the day extends far beyond the gymnasium walls. One-third of the meals packed will be distributed to local food pantries, helping neighbors in need right here in our community. Another third will be sent anywhere in the world where the U.S. military delivers humanitarian aid, and the final third will be stored for disaster relief efforts.
Funding for the event is provided primarily by the Kiwanis Club of Woodhaven, which contributes $10,000 to make the day possible. Students are asked to make a $5 donation to help offset costs - far less than similar service opportunities typically require.
“This is an incredible opportunity for students to learn the value of service, teamwork, and compassion,” said Kiwanis representative Paul Elsey. “Kids helping kids is what this project is all about.”
Families interested in having their child participate should complete and return the permission slip to their teacher. Those willing to volunteer are encouraged to join this impactful day of service and help show students how powerful community action can be.
Together, Woodhaven-Brownstown students, staff, families, and community partners can once again pack hope - one meal at a time.