TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)—Nearly 200 volunteers were packing away hunger at Christ United Methodist Church on Monday.

"It's an amazing day where we celebrate Martin Luther King and we have volunteers from all over the community," said Director of Missions & Outreach for Christ United Methodist Church, Carol Yarian. 

It's the ninth year for the event. Volunteers packaged over 50,000 meals for those who suffer through food insecurity.

"It's a very diverse group coming together to work for one cause and one purpose," said Yarian. "And that's to end hunger in Tippecanoe County and around the world."

Yarian said volunteers gain something from this experience.

"It's getting to know other people," said Yarian. "But working together is one."

Volunteer and Purdue Junior, Kayla Hawthorne, agrees that many people take away a message.

"I think it's really important for us to understand the blessings that we've, you know, had in our lives and be able to give that away to others," said Hawthorne. 

Hawthorne hopes this will encourage others to give.

"I hope that everyone learns that part of themselves that wants to help, that wants to be one with all of the people in the world," said Hawthorne. 

For more information on Pack Away Hunger click here.