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Volunteers of all ages work together at last year’s Freeport meat canning location, washing and labeling cans of turkey that will be distributed through MCC both locally and around the world. Make plans now to get involved with this year’s meat canning on January 14-15. (Photo provided by Chad Weber)

Volunteers of all ages work together at last year’s Freeport meat canning location, washing and labeling cans of turkey that will be distributed through MCC both locally and around the world. Make plans now to get involved with this year’s meat canning on January 14-15. (Photo provided by Chad Weber)

Meat canning comes to Freeport in January

Jennifer Steiner
12/16/2009

The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) mobile meat canner will be coming to the Freeport area (4380 E. Brick School Road in Dakota, Illinois) on January 14-15, 2010. Don’t miss this chance to join MCC in their quest to feed hungry people both locally and around the world!

During the two-day event, committee members hope volunteers and the canning crew can work together to can 18,000 pounds of turkey, which will produce around 10,000 cans of meat, ready to be distributed to hungry people.

"I feel that canning meat is a unique way to help those that aren’t as fortunate and be able to feed the hungry locally as well as across the world,” said Chad Weber, assistant canning coordinator. “This project is not only a blessing to those who receive the finished product, but also a blessing to those who work to fill the cans and who do so with love for those who receive it.”

Last year, canned turkey from Freeport was distributed around the world in Honduras (1,224 cans), Haiti (2,880 cans) and Burundi (5,760). In addition, 432 cans were distributed locally to the Freeport Area Church Cooperative, and another 480 cans to The Rockford Rescue Mission.

"It’s awesome how the community comes together for a couple days to fellowship together and to meet new people while helping feed the hungry,” said Weber.

Volunteers are encouraged to come and help with the canning process - from cutting meat, to filling the cans, to attaching labels. Sign up yourself or your church group by calling Freeport Mennonite Church (815-449-2498) or Chad Weber (815-449-2282).

In addition to volunteers, funding is also needed to make this canning possible. Donations can be sent to Freeport Mennonite Church, attention Treasurer/Canning (3416 E. Brick School Road, Freeport, IL 61302).

 

Additional Canning Locations in the Great Lakes Region

 

January 11-12 Montgomery, Indiana
January 14-15 Freeport, Illinois
January 19-29 Goshen, Indiana
February 1-4 Berlin, Ohio
February 8-10 Spartansburg, Pennsylvania

 

For more information about MCC meat canning, visit canning.mcc.org