By Dennis Box, The Courier-Herald

Bonney Lake Elementary School collected 2,840 cans of food and non-perishable dry goods for the annual Bonney Lake Food Drive. The children went to neighbors, relatives and friends in a schoolwide effort to help those in need during the Christmas season.

The drive was organized by student counselors Lorraine Turk and Karrie Kullas. The kids collected 1,000 cans in three days, brought in another 700 in two more days and it kept climbing as the kids passed 2,000.

"These kids are amazing in this school," Turk said. "Every class from kindergarten to grade six contributed. Some of these kids canvassed the neighborhood and the families have been very supportive and generous."

Turk was instrumental in encouraging the community spirit of the children and organizing the effort throughout the school.

The food drive has been going on for more than 10 years through the work of community volunteers from the police department and fire department, including Barb Wigton, Gary Roth, police chaplin Art Sphar and many others.

The food from this year's drive will be going to the Senior Center to help seniors in need.

"There's a huge need for the seniors in our community," Wigton said. "Those seniors won't go to the food bank. They always think someone else is in more need. Some of these folks don't have a car or family nearby."

The food drive will be continuing through Christmas. During business hours people may donate canned food and non-perishable dry goods at the Public Safety Building. After hours or on weekends, donations may be dropped at Lumbermans, Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Sunset Chiropractic and Bonney Lake Supermarket.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com