If you would like to help to prepare meals to feed thousands of hungry people, you are encouraged to join the Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres this coming Saturday at the Christ United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at the corner of Lee Blvd. and Homestead Rd. in Lehigh.

Lehigh Rotary Chairman Dr. Frank Avey said the Hunger Relief Project will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. and in that time, they hope to package 50,000 meals.

“I know it’s short notice, but if we can get the word out, we can do it,” he said.

The event is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres in cooperation with Kids Against Hunger of Southwest Florida and Lehigh Regional medical Center.

“Our goal is to prepare and package the 50,000 meals in two hours.

The meal consists of rice, soy protein, dried vegetables, ? ?vitamins/minerals and chicken flavoring.? ?Each sealed bag feeds a family of six.? ?50 percent? ?of all the meals are earmarked to stay in Lehigh Acres for distribution to local food banks and food pantries, Avey said.

Her said that each sealed bag feeds a family of six and some 50 percent of all the meals are earmarked to stay in Lehigh Acres for distribution to local food banks and food pantries.

He said the remaining meals will be distributed regionally or internationally depending on need.?

“We need more volunteers?. Some ?140? ?volunteers can complete the? ?50,000? ?meals in approximately? two ?hours.? ?If you or your organization would be interested in participating,? ?please contact me at? ?634-2455? ?to sign-up in advance, Avey said.?

“Individuals or small groups are welcome to join us.? ?No experience needed and no heavy work is required,” said.

Avey said Rotarians locally and worldwide are committed to providing service to their communities as well as internationally.? ?Hunger relief is one of the main objectives of Rotarians together with Polio eradication,? ?clean water supplies,? ?and literacy,” he said.

There is no cost to participate but a voluntary donation of $25 or another amount if the volunteer can afford it will be requested at the door.?

“Each meal costs us? ?14? ?cents in raw ingredients.? ?There are no administrative costs.? ?All donations received go directly to pay for the cost of the meals.? ?The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres has committed to fund the balance of the cost for the? ?50,000? ?meals,? ?after any donations received.?

• Lehigh Regional Medical Center has also contributed? ?$1,000? ?as a co-sponsor.? ?Other corporate sponsorships are available,” Avey said. “Local business are encouraged to contact Avey.

To participate or for more information?, contact ?Dr.? ?Frank Avey,? ?Hunger Relief Project coordinator on behalf of The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres. You can phone him at 634-2455 or email him at: e-mail? ?docavey@embarqmail.com.