A big donation from the Polk School District ensured that many families around the area won’t go hungry while everyone is celebrating with Thanksgiving feasts today.

The District wrapped up its annual food drive at local schools, and reported that they broke their expected goal by more than double with 42,093 items donated by students, families, businesses and educators in 2024. They were only expecting around 25,000 items to give back to the community.

“As our students, staff, and families leave for the holiday break today know that you have provided meals and HOPE for so many this holiday season,” the district posted last week ahead of the start of the Thanksgiving break along with the photos below.

This year’s top contributor was Eastside Elementary School, giving 6,761 items of nonperishable food items to the community, followed by Rockmart Middle who gave 6,165 items. Each of Polk County’s campuses and the district office gave more than 1,000 items each toward the campaign.