At the beginning of this month, Student Council sent out this message to students and staff: 

“Over the next three weeks, we encourage students to bring in non-perishable food items to their 2nd-period class to be donated to local food banks. The 2nd period class that brings in the most items per student will win a breakfast party (to be redeemed during the month of December) sponsored by Student Council.”

This may seem standard, but this year’s can drive is more important than ever. With SNAP benefits being cut following the extended government shutdown, families are left to fend for themselves if they wish to feed themselves and their families. But with the help of those more fortunate, like the community at MHS, there is hope to make a difference. 

The food drive began with Canball on November 4th, where there were only two teams that signed up to compete, numbers that were already lacking from previous years. 

Senior and Student Council President McKenna Shumaker has high hopes of improvement, but reflected by saying, “In my freshman year, there were about 2,000 cans, but this last year was kind of lacking. I think there were only around 200.”

But there is still time to make up for this. 

As we know, high school students are often not very motivated to help their communities, especially if the effort does not directly benefit them personally. So, the goal is that by playing into their selfish nature, they will realize how easy it is to make a difference, even if it takes a bit of encouragement.

“In classes where the teacher actually sat their students down and explained the importance of it, their boxes are a lot more full,” she said.

Teachers have shared insight into how the lack of money led them to donate plasma in order to have enough money for groceries in college. Stories like these make students, especially seniors, realize that being in a good place financially is something that many people who utilize assistance once experienced, but, for whatever reason, now need the extra help. And they deserve it, no matter their story.

Already about a week into the Can Drive, it is best to act fast. The fundraiser will end soon on Tuesday, November 25th, with the Mr. Muscatine pageant. All cans and food will be donated to the local Salvation Army’s Freezing For Food campaign, and the money raised will be given to the MCSA, both organizations that are meant to give back to those in Muscatine.