Sixty-six boxes of macaroni and cheese, 61 cans of fruits, vegetables and soup, 53 packages of cereal and more were totaled up at Viewmont Elementary’s Peer Leadership Team’s two-week food drive — with one more day remaining.

More than 309 items were to be donated to Murray Children’s Pantry.

“We know they need more food to help feed everyone,” said sixth-grader Preslee Andrew, one of 21 PLT members. “It’s a great way we can help people who may be struggling. We may not know these people, but we know we need to help.”

Preslee said the project also provides an opportunity for members to develop communication skills along with offering service.

“We’re promoting awareness of the need and of our food drive with posters, morning messages and advertising,” she said.

Theresa Daniel, a sixth-grade teacher and PLT coach, said the group used skits to spread their messages and created a fun, competitive twist to engage students.

“They have two boxes by the front of the school and had competitions every two days, like DC versus Marvel, chocolate versus vanilla, sweet versus salty and St. Patrick’s Day versus Easter,” she said, adding that the group also has helped with school spirit days putting on skits where everyone could participate. “They want everyone to feel inclusive and have fun.”

Sixth-grader Ada Corser said the PLT chose topics which would resonate with a range of students.

“The kids here really enjoyed that and had topics they really wanted to win so they brought in more food,” she said. “Marvel won, so did sweet and chocolate. Easter overflowed our box, but maybe that’s because our age, everyone likes to go on egg hunts for candy. I think what it really shows is that kids are inspired and dedicated to bringing in food to help other kids.”

When Daniel asked the students about why they wanted to do the food drive, she received answers: “We can help,” “A lot of people can contribute” and “We know that it’s going to a good cause.”

“This is something they wanted to do,” Daniel said, adding she hoped parents would volunteer to transport PLT members to deliver the donations so they could see firsthand how it was benefitting the pantry shelves.

Fifth-grader Cole McLaws said he’s glad the students were collecting food to donate.

“I love knowing we’re helping a bunch of kids in Murray who are hungry, and this will be putting smiles on their faces,” he said. “It warms my heart knowing we’re helping.” λ