Eighth Grader Builds Nonprofit To Feed Families With Mac & Cheese Donations
Most fifth graders are busy figuring out what they’re going to do during recess, but Charlie Duistermars had bigger plans: helping feed the needy in Ottawa County.
Based on his love for macaroni and cheese, Duistermars’ idea was simple — donate as many boxes of macaroni and cheese as possible. He started with an event at his church, where a local radio station donated 1,000 boxes.
The Start Of Mac And Cheese Ministries
The idea has grown into a life-changing nonprofit organization, Mac and Cheese Ministries. Duistermars hired his father, Rick, and they, along with help from his mother, Kylee, have changed lives in the Holland area.
Duistermars is now an eighth grader at Holland Christian Middle School. He’s an athlete, plays club soccer and travel basketball, performs with the worship band at church, and is active at school — all while continuing to push Mac and Cheese Ministries forward.
Community Events And Growing Impact
Duistermars has organized a 5K, a Joy Park Concert and a donation drive through First Reformed Church. He even gave a presentation during TEDxMacatawa.
On Wednesday, March 19, Duistermars and his father visited Community Action House, where Charlie helped the organization receive two pallets of macaroni and cheese — over 6,000 boxes in total. They’ll be distributed to over a dozen regional food pantries.
“It’s surreal,” Rick said. “It’s an absolute blessing to see how dialed in he is. I’m so proud of how this came about.”
20,000 Boxes And Counting
In total, the organization has donated about 20,000 boxes to area pantries.
Mac and Cheese Ministries now has a full line of merchandise, including mugs, t-shirts, sweaters, coasters and tote bags, all intended to further the mission of addressing food insecurity in Ottawa County. The products showcase the mission: “Mac and Cheese for Jesus Please.”
Duistermars isn’t stopping anytime soon.
“It’s always been about feeding people who need it, but I also hope my story inspires others, especially kids, to take action on the things they’re passionate about,” he said.
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Source: Holland Sentinel
