Ocosta School District students have set a goal of 1,000 pounds for their annual Food Bowl food drive, which runs through Dec. 19.

“We collect cans at the school, and track by individual students and by grade levels,” said Lindsey Quinby, Ocosta ASB adviser.

There is a coin drive competition between grade levels, where pennies count as positive points, while silver coins and paper money count as negative points toward each class’s total.

“You bring in pennies for your class, then other classes ‘bomb’ your jar (with silver coins and paper money) to bring your total down,” said Quinby. “Whichever class has the highest total wins.”

The drive started Dec. 9, and Aloha Alabama BBQ in Westport donated proceeds from Dec. 9-11 sales to Food Bowl when customers arrived presenting a Food Bowl card.

The community is encouraged to get involved and there are several ways and locations to do so.

”We will also be collecting coins at Shop n Kart in Westport, and throughout Westport and Grayland businesses,” said Quinby.

The elementary school will have collection boxes set up Tuesday at its annual Grandparent’s Luncheon at 1 p.m., and at its Winter Concert at 6 p.m. The Winter Concert includes grades kindergarten through fourth and will be held at the elementary school commons.

Proceeds go to the South Beach Food Bank in Westport.