Gwinnett Daily Post

SNELLVILLE - Students at Pharr Elementary School are on a mission to collect 2,009 food items for the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry. And they'd like your help.

As of Tuesday, students at the Grayson cluster school had gathered 840 canned goods for the nonprofit organization that serves residents of Snellville, Grayson and Loganville, teacher Monica Karambelas said. And with the help of the community and other schools, Pharr Elementary hopes to make its goal.

The idea for the weeklong challenge was developed by kindergartners and first-graders in classes taught by Karambelas and Nancy Powell. The children decided to challenge the school to bring in food for the co-op after hearing the ministry is running low on items used to help families in need, Karambelas said.

On Friday the classes collected 140 items for the co-op - a number that will not count in this week's drive as they were donated before the challenge began, Karambelas said.

Community members who would like to help the students meet their goal can drop off items at the school's front office. Pharr Elementary is located at 1500 North Road in Snellville.

Karambelas said she has invited other schools to join the challenge and collect even more donations for the co-op.

"Any little bit helps," Karambelas said.