ROCKLAND — Students and staff at South School (RSU 13) participated in a friendly competition during National Gratitude Month to donate non-perishable food items to the AIO Food and Energy Assistance Food Market. Grades worked together (Kindergarten and 3rd, 2nd and 5th, and 1st and 4th) to collect a total of 585 pounds of food with grades 2 and 5 earning bragging rights for collecting the most items.

Just before Thanksgiving break, the 5th grade Student Leadership Team carried bags and boxes filled with food on a walking field trip to deliver the donations to the AIO Food Market. Each student had the opportunity to help weigh what they had carried and tour the facility to learn about the services provided as well as what happens after items from a food drive are delivered.

“We are so thankful that the kind folks (Rob, Gerry, Joe and more!) at the AIO Food Market gave our 5th graders a tour of the facility, helped us to weigh the food that we all collected, and showed us how South School helped people in our Knox County community,” said South School, in a news release. “It was a wonderful effort by students and their families and staff members and a fun way to be reminded of all we are thankful for during Gratefulness Month and the coming season of giving.”