WILMINGTON — Inspired by the lessons of giving thanks and giving back, students from Denver Place, East End and Holmes elementary schools joined forces recently to sponsor a community food drive as a follow-up activity to their study of character.

Reaching out to family, friends, and community members in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of others, students worked together to collect, count, organize, pack and deliver almost 5,000 nonperishable food items to the Clinton County Homeless Shelter and Your Father’s Kitchen.

As an added incentive to rally student participation, classes collecting the most food items celebrated with a pizza party. Fourth-grade classes celebrated the win at Denver and East End and fifth-graders at Holmes.

But, when all was said and done, everyone won bragging rights for a job well done.

Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.

Holmes Elementary was also determined to make a difference in the lives of others by stepping up and donating to the cause.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/12/web1_Holmes-Character.jpgHolmes Elementary was also determined to make a difference in the lives of others by stepping up and donating to the cause. Courtesy photos

Denver Place students loaded up the car of their guidance counselor Mr. Goodman with boxes and bags of food to be shared just in time for the holidays.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/12/web1_Denver-Place-Character.jpgDenver Place students loaded up the car of their guidance counselor Mr. Goodman with boxes and bags of food to be shared just in time for the holidays. Courtesy photos

Students from East End Elementary did more than their fair share in collecting food items to share with community members in need.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/12/web1_East-End-Character.jpgStudents from East End Elementary did more than their fair share in collecting food items to share with community members in need. Courtesy photos