Erie Intermediate students deem canned food drive a success

Nov. 28—ASHTABULA — Erie Intermediate students once again organized a canned food drive for Thanksgiving.

In just one week's time, the students collected thousands of canned food items to be distributed to the Dragon Empowerment Center and Community Counseling, which will deliver to those in need and the homeless.

This is becoming an annual tradition, said teacher Matthew Pavlovic.

"The food drive was conducted as a contest amongst classrooms," he said. "Students brought in items and added to their class totals. Any student that donated received popcorn in appreciation of their kindness and generosity."

There was a tie for the winning classrooms — Pavlovic and Cynthia Sartori's classrooms won and they each received a pizza party.

Several students said they felt proud of their accomplishment.

"It was fun and I felt proud of our school," said Grace Harchalk, a student at Erie Intermediate School.

After collecting the donations and seeing the final tally, the students cheered.

"I felt happy because we collected more than last year, so we could help more people.," said Isa Aguinaga. "I was pretty proud of myself and my friends."

Student Holden Warner said he was shocked by the sheer number of cans collected.

"I was like, 'Oh my gosh, that's a lot of boxes!'" he said. "It felt good to collect all that food for the food bank."

Several students said they were already looking ahead to continue the tradition next year.