Filling the Funnel

By Justin Walker

“You must actively help the hungry and feed the oppressed. Then your light will drive out the darkness, and your darkness will become like the middle of the day.” Isaiah 58:10

Baylor students, faculty and staff gathered to pack 50,000 meals for the McLennan County community on Oct. 20, 2021, as part of the 58 Ten Project.

The event, organized by the Department of Accounting and Business Law in partnership with the Pack Shack, saw hundreds of volunteers form assembly lines to pack food and vitamins into boxes to be distributed to families in need.

“The Baylor family can be a powerful force when we work together to meet a goal,” Lauren Farish, clinical assistant professor for Accounting and Business Law, said. “When that goal is driven by our desire to bring the light of Jesus to those in need, I know the Lord multiplies our efforts beyond what we can imagine.”

Going into the event, it was hard for many to imagine how 50,000 meals would be packed in just two hours. But the volunteers met the goal in just over 90 minutes of work. The meals were boxed and distributed to local food pantries and organizations, such as the Cove and Caritas.

“It is amazing that there are so many Baylor students who are aiming to be aware of what is happening in our local community,” Kelly Atkinson, executive director at the Cove, said. “There are kids who are hungry and there are families who have been homeless. There are so many struggles that our community is experiencing. To show that care and be part of addressing that is remarkable.”

Chase Perkins, the mission advancement specialist at Kids Around the World, helped coordinate operations at the event. His organization is focused on bringing people together to help and serve others in need. That mission was on display at the 58 Ten Project, he said.

“I think it is important for young adults to be involved in serving others, because the most basic thing we can do as humans is helping each other,” Perkins said. “That is what happened today. We had people here with different backgrounds that came together to help those in need.”

The event was a perfect reflection of the Hankamer School of Business’ values through teamwork and service, William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean Sandeep Mazumder said.

“We are a Christian business school and we take our Christian mission seriously,” Mazumder said. “Part of that is giving back in ways that benefit our community. Packing meals for those in need here in Waco is a great way to fulfill our mission.”