Editorial: Volunteer, make an impact with Impact Lives

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Deb Weitala has lofty goals and corresponding worries, but for the noblest reasons.

The Mitchell woman is organizing the third-annual Impact Lives day at the Corn Palace, an event that sees more than a quarter of a million meals packed and made ready for shipment to hungry people worldwide.

It’s a big job.

Weitala told The Daily Republic recently that so far about 700 volunteers have signed up for the May 7 event, but another 500 are needed to adequately complete the task. Although individuals and teams from churches, clubs, civic organizations and businesses are signing up daily, more bodies are required.

She also is in the midst of raising funds for Impact Lives. So far, about $24,000 has been collected toward the needed $85,000.

Mitchell is a charitable town, evidenced by the success of large fundraisers conducted by United Way and other very worthy organizations. Invariably, the question asked of the people who work those fundraisers is, “Does my donation stay local?”

With Impact Lives, the answer is “no,” but we ask Mitchell residents to take a close look at the true impact that can result from their donation of money or a few hours of work.

Approximately 330,000 meals were packed each of the past two years. Weitala this year is hoping to add another 10,000 meals to the packaging goal, and if that’s achieved, it would bring Mitchell’s total effort over three years to 1 million meals packed.

This can really make a difference. And as the name of the event suggests, it truly can impact lives.

Weitala is a ministry assistant at Northridge Baptist Church in Mitchell. Call her at 999-8994 to see how you can help.

Tags: opinion, updates, editorials, columns