Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) — Community members in Rapid City are coming together to feed people in need with meals that are open to everyone.
Events like this have all kinds of people coming out to volunteer.
“I love doing it because I like making a positive impact on people’s lives and they usually remember me. I just love hearing their stories and making them smile.” Volunteer Zayleigh Kinstle Said
Ted Hayward is beloved by the Rapid City community and has been helping put together community feeds like this for years.
“It’s amazing how a tool like Facebook can be used to say, hey we need water, and all of a sudden we have nine cases of water. We got cottage cheese and cookies and stuff like that, that we weren’t expecting to have. So it’s just an amazing feeling.” Organizer Ted Hayward Said
“The best part is just making a new family, it’s not just friends. They become your family and you get to know their life story and they do really care about you.” Kinstle Said
These meals can help families in need of a hand.
“Like the family down there, probably saved $100 tonight. So they’re able to get gas tonight, able to get some milk tonight, able to get some cereal. Who knows what they’re able to save because they got a free meal here, or they get a free meal anywhere around town. It’s important that we all share this.” Hayward Said
Hayward invites local business downtown to come on out to any of these events and join in the efforts.
The community picnics take place every other Monday throughout the year.
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