The annual PTA/ASB Food Drive began the week of Nov. 1 in the community to aid those in need. All food collected during the drive will go to the PTA who will in turn give it to a food bank based in Apollo Park called H.E.L.P.S. Room which stands for Health Education Local Pantry Services. The H.E.L.P.S. Room is a program that is completely ran by volunteers. This annual Food Drive is orchestrated by the PTA and carried out by ASB. Under the ASB Commissioner of Campus and Community Service, Senior Joshua Noa, a different point system for the collected food was implemented this year to emphasize the things that are most needed.
“We have a lot of cool prizes for the classes that collect the most items, so we just hope everyone will donate at least one thing,” Noa said. “The goal for our school is 14,000 cans.”
Mr. Bremer, Honors Geometry and A.P. Calculus teacher, is an avid participant in the food drive and every year he encourages his students to donate. He has ranked in the top spots over the years when it comes to collecting cans.
“I totally think it’s a great thing we participate in. I think for me the bottom line is feeling good about helping others,” Bremer said. “I try to convey this message to my students.”
The students are also on board with contributing to this charity.
“I think it’s about more than self-satisfaction. I bring in cans because I know it will benefit someone in need,” Joel Carroto, 11, said. “Everyone needs to bring in food because it’s the right thing to do.
The Food Drive started Monday Nov. 1 and will continue through to Nov. 19. Peanut Butter, stuffing, pasta, chili cans, and boxes of crackers are just a few items accepted for the Drive. These items are worth one point in the competition while boxes of dried mashed potatoes, muffin or cornbread mix, cake mix, Jell-O, and Mac N’ Cheese are more wanted and therefore worth two points.
The prizes for the classes participating in the Food Drive are a pizza party, and ice cream party, and a nacho party 1st, 2nd, 3rd respectively. Collections will take place during fourth period on Nov. 2nd, 4th, 9th, and 15th. Every can counts.