Lowe's Elementary students with truck load of food. Photo submitted.

Lowes Elementary School students collected some 3,000 pounds of canned food to help families in need during the 2016 Christmas season. Principal Ryan Marchetti said that besides the obvious benefits to those families, it also helps students understand how they can make a difference in the world. Competition didn't hurt either, he said!

Each student in grades 3-6 is assigned to one of four groups known as a "colleges." Princeton College won the competition by raising 1,000 pounds of food. Cornell College was runner-up with 800 pounds. Contributions from the remaining two colleges and students in grades K-2 rounded the total out to 3,000 pounds of canned food. Each group earned reward points, based on that group's contribution.

The principal said he is extremely proud of the students and the lessons the project taught them. Pictured here, are students with the food they loaded into a trailer for distribution.

(photo submitted)