God gave me FEED MY PEEPS on a mountain in Kenya Africa 2011. We had no idea that this special boy named James Koech would change our lives forever. God wanted Koech more. He passed away after returning to his family in Africa. We serve now in three states because Koech showed me hungry kids and little ones with no clothes in the remote areas of Kenya. God has no boundaries. We serve because of Koech and Matthew 25:35. Please read more about our testimony with Koech by clicking on “WHO WE ARE.”
FEED MY PEEPS takes an outreach team of volunteers into the streets of Washington, DC monthly. We share food, clothes, blankets, shoes and toiletries to the displaced community of DC. This is a wonderful serving opportunity to share kindness and compassion to those less fortunate. Please call Jaxs at 314-452-8578 to find out our next outreach date. We would love your help. We love so radically they wonder why.
Here’s our wish list:
I met a special person at a homeless camp in Northern Virginia not long ago that had made some poor decisions. This person worked really hard to stay focused and finally landed gainful employment. We have a great team that has offered this dear person a hand up and not a hand out. I moved this wonderful friend from a tent and a tarp to a secure roof with a real bathroom today. This friend loves the Lord and has a fresh start. Homelessness has no zip code. Homelessness doesn’t mean hopelessness. I’m so grateful to be part of the journey to plant seeds and watch God harvest exceedingly and abundantly. Keep on Serving, Jaxs
Please join us for “Serving Sunday” as we share in outreach with our homeless friends in Manassas, Virginia. We set up weekly on Sunday’s at 12:30pm followed at 1pm with a meal and fellowship. We’re a collective group of volunteers loving on peeps right next to their camp sites.
We’re always collecting the following: backpacks, small toiletries, tents, insect repellent, flashlights, batteries, prepackaged snacks, Gatorade, bottle water, large trash bags disposable plates and utensils.
We’re collecting the following clothing items {men and women) for the warm summer months: flip flops, tennis shoes, underwear, tee shirts, jeans, and shorts.
This is a great way for groups to get involved by hosting collection drives for FEED MY PEEPS. We offer a hand up and not a hand out. We know sometimes it’s important to just be present and listen.
FEED MY PEEPS is honored to welcome our new Board Member Holly Cunningham. In 2001, St. Louis native Holly Cunningham launched Hollyberry Catering. Under her leadership, the company has grown to become one of the largest catering companies in the St. Louis area, according to St. Louis Business Journal, and is the preferred caterer at more than 30 top area venues.
Holly is committed to the St. Louis community. During the 2010 and 2009 holiday seasons, she partnered with St. Patrick’s Center and its BEGIN New Venture Center to create the “Gifts that Give Back!” Program. In 2008, Holly established a mentoring program with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In 2012, Hollyberry partnered with SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and Dierbergs Market, Inc. to create “Home Run Bars,” an all-natural, made-from-scratch bar that was the official snack of the 2012 “Homers for Health” initiative.
Holly has been named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious “40 under 40” list, as well as its “30 under 30” list. She is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a society of professional women leaders in the field of food. Hollyberry has been featured in Paula Dean’s Holiday Baking collector’s edition, Hollyberry cookies have been featured on The Rachael Ray Show as the “Snack of the Day” and named “best” by St. Louis Magazine. Holly was the 2002 Small Business Administration’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is a past finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Holly and her husband, Guy, are parents to twin, “tween” daughters, Genevieve and Isabelle. Together they enjoyed participating in a variety of family activities including spending time in the country, sailing and fitness.
“I just finished One Peep at A Time! Thank you for sharing your story. Wow. I didn’t think I could love what you’re doing more but you proved me wrong. Your emphasis on all of the people who have been part of your story was really inspiring. Your work isn’t about feeding nameless people but about helping your friends to be the best they can be. There was never a note of judgement just love and understanding for where people are at on their journey and a willingness to be there in whatever way you can. Your genuine and open heart is inspiring. If we could spread this kind of compassion and understanding I think our world would be a better, sweeter place to call home. This will be a book I will return to for inspiration when I’m feeling worn down and need a reminder of why we serve. Thank you!!!”
Moira Killoran with St. Louis University Campus Kitchen
“I borrowed a copy of your book, One Peep at a Time and I must say that I absolutely loved it! I was so moved by your testimony of faith, hard work and dedication and your love of God. I laughed out loud, literally, at some of the humorous things you said. Thank You for touching so many lives and for making such a profound difference in so many peoples lives.”
Donna Chamness
One Peep at A Time (learn more) is available online through Xulon Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. Retailers may order One Peep At A Time through Ingram Book Company or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.
Thank you for giving back AutoCenters Nissan! FEED MY PEEPS is the little charity that could. We’re grateful for this blessing.
Hot off the Press – Jacki’s new book, One Peep At A Time. Readers will discover an inspirational testimony of how one person can impact the life of another – which ripples out to others. FEED MY PEEPS began in Kenya, Africa with a teenage boy named Koech. He impacted the author’s life, which stirred her heart to serve those in need. Koech passed away at a young age but the difference he made in this world is immeasurable through a little charitable organization called FEED MY PEEPS. One bag of beans, one bag of rice or even one pan of pasta can serve a village or community just “One Peep at a Time.”
“I pray this story will inspire others to step out of their comfort zone to serve those less fortunate,” states the author. “One act of kindness can create a ripple effect which can impact a community. Compassion is contagious and does not have a price tag.”
Jacki Lynne Dirksmeyer is the director of FEED MY PEEPS, which originated in St. Louis, Missouri. She has a seasoned background in hospitality, culinary and ministry. Jacki was awarded the Local Food Hero Award from Gardens to Tables at St. Louis University in 2013. FEED MY PEEPS has also expanded to the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC areas. Jacki has sown culinary seeds and the harvest is abundant as the network of chefs and market places generously support the movement of FEED MY PEEPS.
The book is available online through Xulon Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. Retailers may order One Peep At A Time through Ingram Book Company or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.
Let me share my divine appointment! I saw a senior lady being rude and disrespectful to a beautiful lady over a wheelchair at the airport. We had just gotten off a small plane. We were standing in the rain and cold on the tarmac. The beautiful lady had 17 minutes to make it to another terminal for her connecting flight to Dubai. The airline staff members were not helping her. I got mad watching all of this unfold.
God laid on my heart to help. I grabbed another wheelchair and my beautiful new friend and I took off running. I’m sure we looked crazy running through several terminals and the train. I kept assuring her that I work for God. Jesus take our wheel (wheelchair).
We didn’t make her connecting flight but we did have an appointment. My friend’s name is Cynthia and she’s from Sri Lanka. She stayed overnight and made her trip home the next night. We had the privilege of sharing lunch and fellowship with Cynthia. She had a suitcase full of food for the poor children of her village. Cynthia was returning to her country. Her beloved daughter had passed along with her loving husband so Cynthia was going home to an empty house. God has her back and connects Cynthia with loving friends.
Why would I run through a large airport pushing a stranger from Sri Lanka? God is just that cool if you allow his divine appointment to happen. I feed peeps so I ask God if FEED MY PEEPS will serve in Sri Lanka some day.
I love you my new friend Cynthia and pray for your traveling mercies.
Thank you Emily and Wayne for helping us in ministry as we collectively help to make a difference to those in need.
This past year has exceeded our expectations. We thought feeding peeps was the calling. BAM we’ve been blessed with toys, books, shoes, clothes, household items and furniture. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! We’re able to host monthly outreach events in neglected communities with your generosity.
The culinary community continues to support us with nutritious food made from scratch. Trader Joe’s and Gordon Food Service provides us with more fresh produce, bread, dairy, protein and flowers. We’re able to serve foster families, soup kitchens, homeless camps, troubled teens, families with limited resources and nuns and priests with this abundant surplus.
Washington University School of Law assisted FEED MY PEEPS in 2014 with our application for 501(c)3 non profit status. We received our charitable organization stamp of approval from Mr. IRS in less than seven weeks. God directed that application for this we know!
We launched our new website www.feedmypeeps.org which allows us to share our testimony with others. We’re grateful for the grant money and financial favor that allows us to operate with 100% of your donation going toward ministry needs. Our volunteers rock as they serve those in need without pay.
2014 was great and God’s given us a snapshot of 2015. Are you ready to MAKE A DIFFERENCE as we serve those in need?
Happy New Year from our home to yours!
Jaxs and Tracey
Aunt Janet, Grandma Sue, and Chef Tony enjoyed a Cappuccino and Cannoli from our friend Darryl.
