Start the giving season off right. For those who may not have food on their plate this Thanksgiving season, Oak Park High School’s ASB hosts their annual food drive. In every classroom, teachers will have a box where they can bring in their donations. 

The food drive is not only for a great cause but also rewards the class that brings in the most amount of items. The classroom with the most donations will win a pizza party. 

The proceeds of the food drive are donated to Manna Food Bank In Thousand Oaks.

Manna Food Bank has been open for 50 years and serves an average of 180 families each month. Manna Food Bank offers free groceries to those who may struggle to feed their family. 

Senior Natalia Galstian is a co-chair of clubs, food drives and blood drive committees. She organizes and manages the food drive. 

“We collect packaged, canned food and personal care products,” Galstian said. “We organize all the food, separate it and send it off to Manna.”

The food drive has gone on at OPHS for over 10 years and is really helpful to the Conejo Valley community. For those who are less fortunate during the holiday season, the donations are really helpful. 

“It helps people in need, which is especially important during the holidays,” Galstian said. 

The food drive is taking place between Nov. 7 to Nov. 22. Students can donate items to their third period class.