Trying to start a new tradition, student council will be hosting their first ever food drive in their efforts to contribute to the community this holiday season. It will begin Nov. 27 and will go until Dec. 1.

“We have so many things to be thankful for in this school district, and I think everybody here has so many things that they are thankful for so it’s just a little way we can give back. It’s an easy way for our students to give back to people who might not have the same resources. With the holidays coming up, it could be a very stressful time for many people, and this is a rough time for some of the food banks so whatever we can do to help make sure that they stay full and have a wonderful supply for the winter,” student council advisor Sally Wilson said.

According to Feeding America, approximately 72 billion pounds of food is thrown away or not eaten each year, not including waste at home. Although Kaneland may not be able to feed America, there are many people who need help locally.

“I haven’t talked to any specific food pantries yet but we will be talking to the local food pantries and base it on need,” Wilson said. “Either the Elburn or the Sugar Grove food pantry and if not, we will probably give it to the Northern Illinois food bank.”

Student Council will be setting up baskets around the school giving students the chance to participate. When students donate they will receive a raffle ticket to be entered into a drawing with the chance to win prizes. They will also be collecting food at the basketball games as well.

“We’re focusing our efforts on certain types of food that is usually requested this time of year and we’re doing this in conjunction with a spirit week and to kick off the boys and the girl’s basketball seasons,” Wilson said.

The designated food days are as follows: Monday (Pajama Day) bring breakfast foods (cereal and oatmeal); Tuesday (Disney day) bring red, black and white beans; Wednesday (Red, White and Blue Day) bring ketchup, mustard and pickles; Thursday (Decades Day)  bring mac and cheese or other pasta and Friday (Crazy Color Day) bring canned fruits veggies.

Items can be dropped off in the commons or in Student Council advisor’s Jennifer French’s room (A201). Students who drop off items off on the correct day to the classrooms will earn a raffle ticket. People who bring food to basketball games on Tuesday, November 28 and Friday, December 1 will also earn a raffle ticket.