Pay close attention because there are three crucial rules to remember when you volunteer for the annual meal-packing event at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte.

These rules are: the rice is the last ingredient to go in, always wear your hair net, and again, the rice is the last to be added.

Don't underestimate the significance of this event; it's not like selling brownies after the evening Mass. It's a massive operation driven by the spirit of community. There are instructional videos, forklift operators, logistics experts, and more than a thousand participants divided into eight-person teams.

St. Matthew Church, located in Charlotte's upscale Ballantyne neighborhood, is no ordinary parish. It's a true megachurch, boasting around 11,000 families in its congregation, offering 101 active ministries, and housing a vast, 2,100-seat modern sanctuary complete with large video screens on either side of the altar.

It's important to emphasize that Haiti, in particular, is in dire need of support from a compassionate Catholic community like St. Matthew.

Recall the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010; sadly, the situation has only worsened since then. Haiti finds itself in a slow, downward spiral.
Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, the nation plunged into chaos. Two years later, there is still no successor to the presidency, the central government has effectively collapsed, the power grid is in disarray, and the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, are controlled by armed gangs.

What amplifies the current crisis compared to post-earthquake times is the inability of humanitarian organizations to rush to Haiti's aid due to extreme danger. In July, the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince even evacuated its nonessential personnel.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 advisory, strongly discouraging Americans from traveling to Haiti, citing the prevalence of violent crime, including armed robberies, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom involving U.S. citizens.

In this dire context, the support and compassion of a generous community like St. Matthew's are more vital than ever for the people of Haiti.

Expanding on the perilous situation in Haiti, it's crucial to highlight the serious risks faced by travelers, particularly upon leaving Port-au-Prince international airport. The State Department advisory emphasizes that travelers are often trailed and subjected to violent attacks and robberies. This danger isn't limited to remote areas; even in heavy traffic, private vehicles, and especially lone drivers, are targeted, with women being particularly vulnerable.

Just recently, an American nurse, part of a Christian aid group, and her daughter were freed after two weeks in captivity following their abduction from a school near the capital. During their ordeal, the Christian song "See a Victory" provided solace and inspiration.

The overall situation in Haiti is dire, as described by Brother Louima Israel, the local superior of the Missionaries of the Poor in Cap-Haitien. He highlighted that nothing seems to be functioning in the country, even for those with resources. The political vacuum further compounds the crisis.

Now, the question arises: What can a single Catholic parish like St. Matthew do in the face of such adversity? Quite a bit, as it turns out.

St. Matthew Church has maintained a close relationship with the Missionaries of the Poor and their founder, Father Richard Ho Lung, since the late 1990s.
When their parishioners first visited the order's base in Cap-Haitien years ago, they inquired about how they could assist. The response was straightforward: "We need food." So, St. Matthew took action.

St. Matthew's remarkable humanitarian efforts, their annual food drives have yielded an impressive 4.1 million pounds of food and medical supplies.
This includes a substantial 3.4 million meals, all thanks to the dedication of over 48,000 volunteer service hours.

The primary recipient of this aid is Haiti, but St. Matthew's extends its help to impoverished regions in India, Jamaica, Venezuela, and even the local Charlotte area.

Furthermore, the parish has successfully raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for educational and sustainability projects in northern Haiti. These projects encompass a sewing trade school, an agricultural training center, and St. Marc's K-12 school, which recently celebrated its first college-bound graduate.

The people at St. Matthew's feel a deep connection to those they assist, considering them part of their extended family. Steven Favory, the executive director of Hands for Haiti, a nonprofit founded by St. Matthew parishioners that coordinates charitable projects in Haiti year-round, emphasized this familial bond.

One of their most visible endeavors is the annual meal-packing event, which has become so popular that volunteer slots are snapped up rapidly, akin to the rush for Taylor Swift concert tickets.
The event is funded by an annual drive named after a former pastor who initiated the effort. This drive covers the cost of essential ingredients like soy protein, dried vegetables, vitamins, and rice.

Notably, the rice is added last because each bag must meet precise weight standards, between 390 and 400 grams. Customs inspectors might raise suspicions if the weight isn't just right, so workers meticulously adjust the rice quantity until it's perfect.

Surprisingly, the process isn't stressful. Charlotte Catholic High School football players provide the muscle, friendly supervisors offer guidance, and a lively DJ keeps spirits high with classic rock tunes.

What's particularly heartwarming is the sense of camaraderie among volunteers. They see the event as almost a friendly competition to efficiently pack as many meals as possible. Ed Billick, a retired Frito-Lay operations executive, mentioned how they challenge each other, share some banter, and motivate each other.

But one might question if this effort, despite its scale, truly makes a difference in a country with Haiti's enormous needs. Those doubts disappear when you witness a student at St. Marc's School enjoying one of these meals, sometimes the only meal they'll have all day.

As Favory wisely notes, the objective isn't to fix Haiti entirely; it's about making a difference where you can.
Each person contributes their small part, trusting that God's grace can fill the gaps, much like those final grains of rice that complete these life-saving meals.