More than 50,000 food items of all kinds (a lot of canned goods for sure) will be distributed throughout the community this holiday season thanks to the generosity of students, educators and donors across the Polk School District.

The district collected some 50,024 food items, doubling a goal of 25,000 items set as the month began ahead of the Thanksgiving season, with programs and schools across the district contributing well beyond anything expected.

Let’s take a look at the numbers from this year and some photos shared by local schools showcasing the generous spirit during the season.

By far the biggest collector of items this year were the students, staff and community members that make up Dawg Nation at Cedartown High School, who topped all other schools in the district with some 8,592 food items donated this month.

Cedartown Middle gave 3,283 items in the drive this year as well, coming close to a goal of 4,000 for the season.

Cherokee Elementary reported that they gave more than 2,800 cans of food to the Samaritan House for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Over at Eastside Elementary, they got a huge haul of food in thanks to the work of youth and educators, plus help from donors in the community. They got in 6,278 items to support local families, doubling a goal of 3,000 food items this year.

Northside Elementary students and staff collected 3,148 cans of food for this year’s drive.

Rockmart High School was busy giving back ahead of the Thanksgiving break as well. The school brought in 6,000 cans of food, posting last week before the break began the above photo and congratulations to Rockmart as a whole for their generous spirit during the season of giving.

To be exact, Jacket Nation donated some 6,228 items in total this year.

Rockmart Middle’s food drive campaign brought in 3,677 items. One lucky class during this year’s drive for bringing in the most items won a Bojangles biscuit party for breakfast coming soon.

Van Wert Elementary students went above and beyond for their haul of help this season. They brought in some 5,456 canned goods and food items in 2023, and many of those who donated also made a point to help load up the items as well when they were taken off by the district for distribution.

Also, from the College and Career Academy FB page:

Thank you to the CHS Automotive SkillsUSA Club and Mr. Lester for donating 20 turkeys for Thanksgiving meals to Grad Polk.

Westside Elementary made big donations this year, bringing in 5,550 food items for local families to enjoy during the holidays.

Youngs Grove Elementary also brought in a haul of 3,764 donated food items this year to help out.

The District’s Central Office joined in the donation drive as well, bringing in more than 1,200 cans thanks to administrators and support staff making contributions.