CU Pack the House Exceeds Goal to Fight Hunger

In its fourth year, Cornerstone University’s Pack the House event saw the CU and Grand Rapids community show up bigger than ever, packing over 51,000 meals for families in Honduras and in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa — once again surpassing the 50,000 meal goal.

Launched after the pandemic, Pack the House was created to help the CU community reconnect through hands-on service. What began as a way to bring people back together has grown into a tradition that highlights what matters most at Cornerstone: serving Christ through serving others with solutions to challenges and giving hearts.

Cornerstone’s partnerships with Friendship Sports International — a ministry that uses athletics to build relationships and share the Gospel around the world — and IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) — a Christian organization providing food, relief and long-term development in global crisis settings — play an essential role in distributing the meals and caring for families in need. Through this collaboration, Pack the House has now provided more than 200,000 meals over four years to people experiencing persistent hunger.

“I’m ecstatic about the level of student engagement this year — and so grateful for the students and the locals who came out to support this program,” said Matt Wallace, CU assistant women’s basketball coach, professor and Pack the House coordinator. “It truly shows what we can accomplish when we serve together.”

This year, more than 325 volunteers, including student-athletes, students, faculty, staff, families and church partners, participated through two connected events: a spirited Pack the Gym basketball doubleheader followed by a fast-paced meal-packing effort at the Hansen Center.

“Pack the House is a tangible way to live out Cornerstone University’s mission — to inspire students to embrace service in the here and now and hopefully live out consistently throughout their lives,” Wallace added.

Wallace is particularly excited that, for the first time, students can see their impact firsthand. In May 2026, Women’s Volleyball student-athletes will travel to Honduras to help distribute some of the meals they packed. The trip reflects Golden Eagle Athletics’ commitment to pairing sport with ministry through experiential “vision trips.” And it also aligns with Cornerstone University’s broader mission to offer international service opportunities where students take learning beyond the classroom and into the field to spread the Gospel and hope.

Cornerstone extends sincere appreciation to the partners who helped make this year’s event a success: Chick-fil-A of Grand Rapids, Relevant Church, Toast & Tea, Friendship Sports and IDES.

CU Golden Eagles’ Pack the House reminds students that their gifts, teamwork and compassion can extend far beyond campus.