In Illinois, one in seven people struggle with hunger according to Feeding America. Each year, the LT community attempts to help lower that number by having its annual Food Drive.

“I don’t think people realize how many people out there need help, and I don’t think they realize how much donating has dropped off in the last couple of years,” head coordinator of the Food Drive, Dorothy Cochran, said.

Donations at LT have decreased in the last three years, going from 92 boxes in 2013 to last year’s 37 boxes—only seven coming from NC, Cochran said.

“Even if everyone brought in one can, there’s more than 4,000 kids here, 400 to 500 staff members, one can each, that would be a lot of food,” Cochran said.

The LT Food Drive runs from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, accepting donations in each classroom, and at Holiday Write Night on Dec. 6. Any canned, non-perishable food item is accepted if they aren’t expired.

“I thought it was a great thing to help with the food drive, because it helps out our community and it is something that really makes a difference around the holidays,” Food Drive committee member Elsa McMahon ’18 said.

Committee members have hopes of increasing their donations this year to at least 50 boxes McMahon said.