Local High School Collect Over 4,000 Cans for food drive

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Bishop LeBlond High School hosted a food can drive to support the local community.

The students were challenged to bring in 1,000 cans, but this year the school collected over 4,000 cans along with $590 in donations. The food and money will go to Second Harvest Community Food Bank

Mary Ann Didde, teacher at Bishop LeBlond High School, said the students have been volunteering at Second Harvest since they were freshmen.

"They know about the need, and they know the need is great at this time of the year. Given these economic times, it's even more serious," she said.

The school turned the can drive into a contest, which the freshmen won.

Ryder Mattox, senior at Bishop LeBlond, said it’s important to do can drives during the holidays because it shows the need and the want for it.

“Especially during these times of the holiday season, because families just don’t have the resources to go out and buy meals for their families,” he said. “I think it’s important as Christians and Catholics show our support towards people who don’t necessarily have the funds or ways go out and buy them.”

Didde said the students are a service to the entire community.

“These kids care about the people of St. Joe and the kids that don’t have what they need. None of these kids are wealthy or kids that have plenty,” she said. “These kids usually go to school, play sports and work. They really gave generously, at a rate of about 25 cans per kid that they brought in, or items of food that they brought in. We just believe in service, we believe that is what were called to do.”

Didde said communities need to be aware of the needs of other people.

“I think we need to do what we can, when we can, with what we have,” she said.

Second Harvest will pick up the food at the school. The students will assist volunteers in loading the truck with donations.