Niles High School students have been organizing their annual food drive for the past two weeks. It was open to the whole school.

Students Against Destructive Decisions, Student Council, Spanish Club, JAG, Key Club, Art Club, National Honor Society and Graphics Club were in charge of advertising, collections, delivery and also had a significant impact on the number of items brought in.

The school contacted The Salvation Army to find out its needs. Boxed potatoes, cereal, spaghetti sauce, boxed meals, noodles and sauces were just a few on the list. They collected canned veggies, meats, macaroni and cheese, syrup and more.

The students have collected 555 items and more are coming in. They’ve held bake sales to raise money for perishable items and teachers have donated money or food in exchange to wear jeans for the week.

Each year the school collects more. The students are recognizing the need in the community to help, especially during this time of the year, teacher Karissa Young said.

“I’ve had a few students bring in boxes of items and share with me how their family went shopping and want to help because they once needed that help,” she said. “It’s such a blessing to see the great kids we have here at NHS and the thought they put into giving to others.”

The goal this year was 300 teen gifts; 350 were delivered last week. Their food drive goal was 500 and so far they have 550 gifts.