As the holiday season approaches, Leadership has launched a food drive, accepting donations throughout November and December. Two donation bins have been set up in the main building, collecting non-perishable food items that will be donated to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank to assist families in need during the holiday season.
Unlike previous years, when food drives were typically managed by clubs or homerooms, this year’s event is designed to be more inclusive and engaging. Bins are separated between upperclassmen and lowerclassmen to spark some friendly rivalry.
Leadership advisor David Plescia hopes this shift in approach will make the event more visible and accessible.

“We thought [the food drive] would be a good way of getting more students involved. Originally, the plan was to just have a bin at the front and back of the school. The question became, how many people would donate and would it be more helpful if we made it a competition?” Plescia said.

Freshman Berkeley Smith, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the timeliness of the event and why it’s so important to contribute during the holiday season.
“[Since the food bank] is particularly busy around the holidays. [Leadership] felt that it was really important for students to collaborate [with them] because the food bank needs all the help they can get,” Smith said.

The food drive is not only crucial to helping those in need but also offers an opportunity for students to come together as a community.
“I think it’s really important for students to feel a sense of belonging in their community and donating to your community can help a lot with that,” Smith said.
Junior Emma Quaroni also highlighted the project’s importance in helping students

recognize their privilege and the need to give back during a season that emphasizes gratitude and empathy.

“I think that a lot of students forget about all that we have because we’re so busy with school work and focused on our own daily lives. It’s important that students also take a moment to realize how lucky we are here in Marin County. We should find time to be grateful for what we have and always give back to those who are less fortunate,” Quaroni said.
As the event continues until Dec. 18, there’s still plenty of time to contribute and help make this year’s food drive a success.