MLS all-stars, fans give back to Columbus community

COLUMBUS, Ohio  (WCMH) -- The best of the best are in Columbus this week for the Major League Soccer All-Star game, and it comes with more than great soccer.

Monday was the MLS All-Star Day of Service, when people in the community came together to pack boxes filled with food for those in need.

Food insecurity is a big issue in Columbus, with about one in seven families experiencing it, but some are about to feel some relief. Local fans, Columbus Crew players, and staff like MLS Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer Sola Winley all gathered to help families in need.

“I grew up being on food stamps,” Winley said. “I had a single mom, we had a hot breakfast, we had a hot lunch that were given to us during school. It was a lifesaver. So, it's a blessing to be able to be out here.” 

In partnership with the charity U.S. Hunger, MLS and the volunteers packed 100,000 meals, each box feeding a family of six. The food will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Student Success stores, which will spread the meals throughout Columbus.

Rebecca Quintavalli, a senior event lead with U.S. Hunger, enjoys the fact that people can see how they are about to change someone's life. 

“It makes me so excited to see all these volunteers who ring the bells in the background,” she said. “They're cheering for each meal that they're creating. They get a tangible impact to see what they're doing firsthand for the community and they're getting together and celebrating that.”

Volunteers like Nick Auddino understand why there must be help for these families.

"I mean, a family without this, a family ain’t going to eat,” Auddino said. “So, you know, feeding them and making sure they have food to eat. I mean, it’s really important."

Former Crew players like Frankie Hejduk were also excited to be giving back, especially while being surrounded by fans.  

"I know all these people, I know all the fans, I hang out with all of them,” Hejduk said. “It's a high five and, ‘hey, let's get to work, let's have fun, and let's start feeding the community as much as we can,’ and that's what we're doing here."

Officials at the event said these families are making decisions like not getting gas or letting their lights go off because they need to eat, which is why it is so important to hold the event.