The “Hu-hu-huge” food drive took place last week at Lake Park. All students were asked to bring in as many nonperishable items as possible.

Across the board, many families don’t have as much food as they need to feed their family. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it won’t be a happy holiday if there isn’t any food on the table. That’s why Lake Park is offering the remarkable gift of food.

Both campuses made sure they “unite[d] to make a difference,” said J.P. Moore, special education assistant and more commonly known as Coach Moore.  Students were asked to bring in canned or boxed food. Some classes even had contests to see who could bring in the most items.

Students brought in over 8,000 items in 2009 and 11,000 in 2010. The 2011 goal was 12,000. To achieve this, it was suggested that each student bring at least three items.

    Moore was in charge of the event and could be found throughout the week standing on lunch tables and asking students to donate whatever they could during the morning announcements. He puts his all in everything he does and is always thankful for the things he has that others don’t.

    “My family had nothing and needed everything, yet my mom and grand mom would give anything they had to anyone that needed help,” said Moore. “I remember that so vividly in my mind. I learned how important and fulfilling it is to help somebody else. It makes life worth living.”

    Moore wanted everyone to help chip in to make this food drive successful.

    “Hunger is not a good feeling,” he said. “I want to encourage our young adults to care for and love one another.”

    Last year, Moore had a lot of helping hands. Students helped carry food items from classes and box them for easy transport. This year, Moore plans on doing the same.  Students didn’t mind missing a class period, especially when they knew they were making a difference.

    Sophomore Diamond Spencer was among the group of students who helped with the boxing last year. She was happy knowing that someone wouldn’t be starving during the holidays.

    “It doesn’t take much effort to put cans in boxes. Not only am I helping out, but it’s actually fun,” said Spencer. “I have food to eat, but that doesn’t mean that everyone else does. That’s why I did what I did.”

    After all the food is brought in, Lake Park plans on donating it, but is not exactly sure where to. In previous years, the school has donated to People’s Resource in Wheaton, Hands of Hope in Hanover Park, and local families in need.

    At the time the Perspective went to press, there was no official count of how much food was collected.