Submitted photo Mrs. Hoffman’s fourth-grade class at George Ward Elementary School held their annual before-Thanksgiving food drive.

MILL CREEK — Mrs. Hoffman’s fourth-grade class at George Ward Elementary School held their annual before-Thanksgiving food drive.

Below is what Mrs. Hoffman had to say about this annual event:

“Each November my class discusses a writing prompt that asks students to think about how they could help their community. After we talk about all the possible options that students come up with, I introduce/remind them of the food drive that happens each year. They get so excited about this project!

“My class challenges all classrooms in the building to see who can bring in the most items to be given to Tyrand Ministries for their holiday needs. Each student gets assigned to a specific classroom, and each morning of the food drive week, students go to that classroom and collect any canned goods that are brought in that day.

“Students keep a tally of items collected from each classroom and the classroom that brings in the most items that week gets a treat bag delivered to them on the day of the Christmas party.

“At the end of the week my students are amazed at how much food they have collected, and they are so excited to help load it all! This year they collected enough to completely fill a minivan!

“It is a great opportunity for students to take action in helping their community. I hope it is something they will keep in mind as they grow and always look for ways to help others.”