Students of Russellville Middle School have been busy collecting canned goods and getting into the giving spirit of the season.

The FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) programs of Russellville Middle School partnered together to encourage students throughout the school to donate cans during the past few weeks. Both clubs worked hard to encourage people to give during the holiday season.

FCCLA adviser Rachel Agee said she was proud of the work the students put in.

“Coach Gober and I are so proud of the students here at RMS for their giving hearts and hard work,” Agee said. “There is nothing better than students teaming together to make a difference.

“Our hope is that this food will be used to help local families this holiday season to have a warm meal,” Agee said. “The can food drive was a great way for RMS students to make an impact.”

Ashley Espinoza, the SADD president and RMS eighth grade student said she thinks it is important to help families in need.

“I think the food drive was important because students were able to help families in need,” Espinoza said. “It taught students the importance of giving. It is a great feeling to know families in the community will know that people care about them and are willing to help.”

Blaise Murray, a seventh grade student and FCCLA member, said helping those less fortunate is important.

“It was important for me to participate because families that are not as fortunate need to have something to eat during Christmas,” Murray said. “I wanted to help the families that didn’t have much food to provide for their family.”

RMS students donated 1,276 cans of food this year. These collected canned goods will go to families in need this Christmas. This is the largest amount collected since 2009.

The Salvation Army picked the cans up Dec. 9.