Students at Saint Francis High School collected $17,000 to fund the school's annual Thanksgiving food drive, and last weekend they used the money to buy canned goods, dry goods and turkey vouchers for 500 needy families.

On Friday, Nov. 20, 130 students stayed after school to help box the food. Later that weekend the boxes were distributed to families from the Catholic Worker of Redwood City and the El Camino, Rose Garden and Evergreen Dialysis centers.

Though in the past students have collected both monetary donations and groceries, their Service Club found that by purchasing food in bulk they could stretch donations by as much as 50 percent.

"This is our biggest event, and to be able to help others is phenomenal," said senior Patrick Crowley, co-president of the Service Club, in a press release.

"It's a good feeling knowing these families can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner just like I can," said senior Rebecca Lim. "The main purpose of the club is to reach out to those who are disadvantaged."

The annual food drive has been a Saint Francis tradition for more than 30 years.

— Kelsey Mesher