Members of the Pleasant Valley Middle School Student Government Association and National Junior Honor Society worked together to collect food for Thanksgiving for local food banks.

Seventh-grader Juleanne Steinmetz, who led the organization of the food drive for the SGA, said more than 250 cans and boxes of food were collected at the middle school.

Steinmetz said she has experience with food drives because she participated in them at another school she used to attend.

When the food is brought in and accumulated in one spot, she said it always impresses her and makes the point of what they’re doing.

“It’s a really great feeling,” she said.

Lisa Wojton, a seventh-grade history teacher and the adviser for the SGA, said this food drive was spearheaded by the SGA and assisted by the National Junior Honor Society. In December, the NJHS will lead the food drive and the SGA will assist. That food drive is held in order to help families in need prepare for their Christmas dinner.

In addition to the middle school, Wojton said students at Pleasant Valley Intermediate School also participated in the food drive. The food will go to the West End Food Pantry, Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network and homeless shelters. It will be distributed in time for Thanksgiving.

“I feel that it’s an important thing we are doing,” said eighth-grader Zachary Prator, president of the National Junior Honor Society at the middle school. “Helping those who are less fortunate.”

Seventh-grader Ewa Trochimczyk said participating in the food drive makes her happy, because it will benefit single parents and those who are less fortunate.

Eighth-grader Anthony Tucker said getting involved in fundraisers and food drives is actually the main reason he joined NJHS.

“I joined National Junior Honor Society because I wanted to help others,” he said.

Wojton said the students will be collecting items, such as socks and toiletries, for Valor House and homeless shelters this winter. Socks are much needed and very important to people who are homeless.

The students will also be holding a Souper Bowl of Caring event in February as a joint activity to benefit the food banks.