a High School runs an annual Thankful Food Drive, and students across the school are being encouraged to donate canned goods and other non-perishable items to help families during the holidays. The drive supports the Maple Valley Food Bank and Community Services, along with Vine Maple Place.
Even though the drive has been going on for a little while now, students still have plenty of time to donate to other organizations around town. Teachers tend to remind students to bring items, hoping the small donations every year will stack up.
Teacher and organizer Todd Baker said things are already starting to pick up this holiday season. ¨Every day we’re seeing more cans show up,¨ Baker said. ¨This year, it’s been more important to collect food donations.¨
Baker explained that the Thankful Food Drive matters because food banks rely heavily on community donations during the holiday season.
¨When students get involved, the whole thing comes alive,¨ he said. ¨They´re the ones encouraging others and helping spread the word.¨
Sophomore Adya Gokulakrishnan said she decided to participate because of increased hardship in the community.
¨I decided to donate to this year´s food drive due to the loss of SNAP benefits as well as people having a harder time than usual,¨ she said.
She explained that food drives like this matter because they offer real support to people facing difficult times.
¨They help save many people from difficult times as well as bring people together. The winter time tends to have a greater effect on how people’s conditions can be, and by donating a small amount it can make a big impact.¨
For Adya, taking part in the drive has been a meaningful experience. ¨Participating in the food drive makes me feel better about our community and knowing that there’s still hope,¨ she said.
Baker and Adya both encourage students who haven’t donated yet to take part, even though it is not currently in School the resources around town can be much help.
Organizers hope more students join in the next years to come. Even a single person can contribute to helping local families enjoy a warm, complete holiday meal.
