Hundreds of hard-working volunteers took part in an annual charity event at the WEPCO Church Complex on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The Wilton Interfaith Action Committee (Wi-Act) led the funding of over 137,000 meals through Rise Against Hunger, a national nonprofit that distributes food packs to regions around the world struggling with food insecurity, enlisting the work of communities to take part in packing the food.
“It’s such a powerful event, seeing all these people, many of whom we know locally,” said Steve Hudspeth, Wi-Act chair.
Rise Against Hunger, a national charity, offers opportunities for communities to organize events such as this, where rice, soy and dried vegetables are used to create individual dehydrated balanced meal packs. Having participated for the past 12 years, Wilton has produced more than 1.5 million meals.
Hudspeth said the volunteer turnout totaled around 700 people, who were spread throughout three two-hour shifts, working in groups of four to fill bags, and then seal, label and pack them in boxes for the eventual arrival on pallets for transportation.
“It’s so powerful,” Hudspeth said, “and it’s intergenerational. Fully a third of the volunteers are children of various ages.”
Ruth Frisbee, 12, of Wilton, has encouraged her family to participate for seven years now.
“I like helping the community,” she said.
Emily Whitaker, 11, of Redding helps out. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Selectman Josh Cole pitches in . Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Bea Bluman, 7, of Wilton pitches in with her Brownie Troop 50336. 
Packaged food ready for delivery. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
The Frisbees of Wilton hard at work, including Ruth, 12, Eleanor, 8, and Alex. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
One of two full rooms of assemblyline workers at WEBCO on Saturday. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Lyla Theoharides, 15, of Wilton and Cantor Harriet Dunkerley of Temple B’nai Chaim work side by side. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Steve Carballo, events manager with Rise Against Hunger. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Karan Sutradhar of Wilton works on measuring. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Volunteers work together. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Hannah Mellars, 7, of Wilton helps weigh some rice. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
A message from the Wilton Interfaith Action Committee. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Martine Robb of Wilton helps with the packing. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Sami Evans, 7, left, and Josephine Yan, 7, both of Wilton, prepare to strike the gong to start work. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Jessica Cooney of Wilton totes some completed bags. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
George Traub, 11, of Wilton, adds rice to the pack. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Busy hands pitching in. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
A busy shift of workers at the WEPCO Church Complex on Saturday morning. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Kathy Kalamarides of Wilton pitches in. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Sloane Soudagar, 11, of Wilton volunteers. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Brian Genereux, 13, of Wilton volunteers. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Wilton pitches in. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton
Steve Carballo, events manager for Rise Against Hunger, praised the town for its work.
“It’s going great,” he said. “It’s always great every year here, with the multiple churches that come together.”
Wi-Act includes 11 local faith organizations of various denominations, as well as Wilton businesses and civic organizations.
A message put into each box of packs states the Wi-Act slogan: “We Act Together for Good!”
This was such a wonderful community event supporting people in need near and far. So proud of Wilton Boy Scout Troop 20 for an amazing turn out with 10 scouts and a handful of family members to help set up all the tables and food.