Kicking4Hunger

The varsity soccer field doesn't often see tiny shin guards and cartoon themed water bottles, but plenty of both came to campus November 18 - 19 when the local, student-run nonprofit Kicking4Hunger held a free soccer clinic to fight hunger.


Current UNC Chapel Hill senior Gabe Whaley started Kicking4Hunger to accomplish two goals: give kids an inexpensive and fun place to learn soccer, and benefit the community at the same time. Kicking4Hunger was born and quickly made its way to the editors of People Magazine, which recently awarded Gabe its annual People's Choice Hero Award.


Campbell fourth year 3/2 trust major Rebekah Barker is a close friend of Gabe's and helped to organize and manage the K4H event in Buies Creek. Check out what Rebekah has to say about service as a college student and how you can also change your community.

Rebekah Barker

How did you get involved with K4H?

I met Gabe Whaley my junior year of high school at the NC School of Science and Math. When [classmate] Caleb approached me about a soccer-related service learning project I participated in over the summer, I suggested we get up with Gabe to partner with K4H. 

Do you feel that the event in Buies Creek was a success? 

I definitely feel the event was a success! We were able to reach out to over 30 kids in the local community and collect over 500 lbs. of food. The first afternoon, we needed multiple people to help unload cars; it was amazing! The kids really enjoyed themselves, and it was apparent they took something away from the camp.

What do you like most about K4H?

My favorite aspect about K4H is the message they are teaching kids. To help a kid learn how to play soccer is a great thing, but to also incorporate learning to serving others and help those who are less fortunate is an amazing thing.

Is serving others important to you? 

Personally, serving others is really important to me. I believe that by helping and empowering people around you, you encourage others to do the same. Showing God's love to others is not only an act of service, but an act of compassion.

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?

Galations 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

What can college students do to fight hunger in their communities?

Get involved with organizations geared to stop hunger! It's also really easy to organize food drives or similar small events on campus. 

• You can also read Rebekah's own post on the Kicking4Hunger website.
• Click here to view the Facebook photo album of the K4H event in Buies Creek.