When elementary school students and parents went to school Thursday, they were carrying more than books and lunches. They had canned goods and staples for local food pantries.

Between 7 and 8 a.m., every elementary school had a drop off box and pantry representatives, collecting the food as people came through the driveway. Food banks receiving the donations included A Gift of Love, Warehouse of Hope, CAMP-Christian Aid and The Pantry.

“This county-wide food drive is a tremendous help in feeding those in Douglas County who are feeling the pinch of the current economic situation,” said Wes Tallon, county communications and community relations director. “Unfortunately, food pantries are experiencing shortages and are not being able to meet these needs.”

A Gift of Love, an organization which provides food backpacks for school children, was one of the benefactors of the drive.

“We had volunteers at five schools and got lots of canned soups, fruits, canned tuna and chicken that we can use to fill our backpacks,” said Juanita Clay, who heads the Gift of Love program. “Many teachers bought food from supermarkets and brought it to the drive for donation.”

Clay said her group is currently assisting 92 children at seven schools, providing weekend backpacks of food.

“Dawn Foods read about the drive in the paper and donated a lot of frozen food,” she said. “We’ll probably use it for our Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes.”

“The Pantry was able to put a large dent in restocking its shelves, but as we open our doors again this Saturday, most of this food will go to feed the hungry in our community,” said Pastor Frank Smith of The Pantry. “We’re so grateful for the help in feeding the hungry and hurting of our wonderful community. Thank you, everyone, for living out the true meaning of community.”