Libertyville, Illinois volunteers honored for packing 2.1M meals for children with 'Feed My Starving Children' nonprofit

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — Four women have spent more than a decade packing millions of meals, determined to make sure every child is fed.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

They all volunteer for the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville.

The group has sites across the country. Each station at the suburban location is named after a different county.

The so-called “Haiti Ladies” are doing their part for the greater good.

“With wars around the world and civil war, strife, famines, this need is incredible,” volunteer MaryAnn McDowell said.

Since its establishment in 2012, McDowell has dedicated her time to volunteering at the location. Together with her friends Mary Lou, Cinda, and Linda, they are being recognized for their contributions during Women’s History Month.

Site manager Stephanie Parker said they sometime volunteer twice a day.

“Even if it’s a night before, sometimes it’s been the day before that they come and drop everything for us, which is a commitment,” Parker said.

For the better part of decade, the four women have forged of path of service by packing over 2.1 million meals for kids across the globe.

Volunteer Linda Rambo said she was even able to go to the Dominican Republic to deliver the food.

“Just see the joy on their face when they receive the food, and it’s, how can that not lift your heart?,” Rambo said.

Their passion has helped nearly 6,000 children get a daily meal for a full year.

But McDowell said it’s not about numbers as much as it is about impact.

“I figure at least you can give your time,” McDowell said. “If you’re not able to go financially, you can come here and volunteer.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Hollywood stars beg Trump for help after calling him a 'pig' and a 'petty dictator'

“Movie Industry Celebrities Seek Assistance from Trump Despite Prior Criticism”

Many celebrities, including numerous liberals who have previously publicly criticized Donald Trump,…
California mom's disappearance now a homicide case as detectives eye persons of interest

Detectives suspect foul play in the case of missing California mom

The 2024 disappearance of a California mom of four is now being…
Melania's depth of influence over Donald Trump revealed by White House insider

Insider from the White House discloses Melania’s significant influence on Donald Trump.

According to the author of a new book on President Trump’s potential…
Netanyahu seeks to fire top security official amid internal power struggle

Netanyahu wants to remove high-ranking security personnel in the midst of an internal battle for control.

According to reports by The Associated Press, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…
‘1923’ Season 2 Episode 4 Recap: “Journey the Rivers of Iron”

Recap of Season 2 Episode 4 of ‘1923’: Exploring the Iron Rivers

Spencer Dutton reflects on how the country has changed since the Great…
Sad portrait of Justin Bieber at the 'happiest place on earth' with wife Hailey amid his spiraling torment

Justin Bieber appears upset while with wife Hailey in Disneyland amid his ongoing struggles

Its slogan is ‘the happiest place on earth,’ but even Disneyland didn’t…
Ground stop ordered at Washington DC's Ronald Reagan Airport weeks after deadly mid-air crash

Ground Stop in Place at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Following Fatal Mid-Air Collision

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at Ronald Reagan Airport…
Comedian Bill Burr Becomes His Own Punchline, Typifies the Problems On the Left As He Attacks Musk

Bill Burr Uses Comedy to Expose Left-Handed Issues While Taking on Musk

Comedian Bill Burr, in his latest stand-up special “Drop Dead Years” on…
Chicago traffic: Closures in effect for final phase of Kennedy Expressway construction

Final Phase of Kennedy Expressway Construction Causes Traffic Closures in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — The final phase of Kennedy Expressway construction is now…
Joe Bellavia says Roselle, Illinois neighbors failed to get approval for regrading yard, which is causing flooding on his property

Neighbors in Roselle, Illinois didn’t get permission for yard work, causing flooding on Joe Bellavia’s property

ROSELLE, Ill. (WLS) — One Roselle resident says he sees this water…
Harvard offers free tuition to students whose families make $200K or less per year

Harvard provides tuition-free education for students with family income of $200K or less annually

Harvard University announced it will now offer free tuition to students whose…
Record-breaking French comedy series 'bref.2' comes to Hulu for a new season of hilarity

“Exciting News: ‘bref.2’ French Comedy Series Smashes Records on Hulu with New Season”

Launched in 2011, the punchy-humored French series “bref.” took the internet by…