Queen Creek, Arizona By: Queen Creek Unified School District

Christmas came early for the United Food Bank in Mesa. In partnership with the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, QCUSD students collected canned and boxed food for those in need. Summer is a tough time for the food bank. For several weeks during the hot months, the food bank’s shelves will sit empty.

The ‘Christmas in July’ collection took place over the course of just a few days as students went back to school. Food collection boxes were put in the front office of all eight QCUSD schools. In that short time, students took action gathering as many food items as they could get their hands on; we are talking canned vegetables, soup, pasta sauce, peanut butter, mac and cheese, cereal and so much more.

Addison Schiermyer, Taylor McMinn, Millie Collins, and Lauren McMinn of Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary are just a few of the students who participated. The students said they understand how something as simple as a can of food makes a big difference, and that makes them feel good. The students also said they want to do another food drive. All the food collected will go to families in need.