SACO — Local high schoolers gave part of their weekend to help the city’s less fortunate during a food drive Saturday.

Students from Thornton Academy’s Action Team, National Honor Society and Student Council worked in shifts alongside Saco Food Pantry volunteers to collect canned goods and other nonperishables outside Shaw’s supermarket entrances.

Thornton Senior Tung Trinh said he enjoyed lending a hand for the food drive.

“It’s a really good thing to do to help the people around us,” he said. “It’s just something really special.”

Fellow Thornton Senior An Ho said she wanted to contribute to the community and was excited to be a part of the event.

Saco Food Pantry volunteer Stephanie Bekasi said the pantry, which serves around 900 people a month at 67 Ocean Park Road welcomes generally any nonperishable, but two items in that are most needed are baked beans and pasta.

She and her husband Joseph have been faithful long-term volunteers.

“I love it,” said Bekasi. She said she and her husband have been blessed, and they want to give back to the community. “Volunteering is good for the soul,” she said.

Student Council Advisor Mary Ann Martin said students on Saturday, Nov. 4, will be collecting donations at a football game and also by going door to door.

“Everything we get, we give right back to the pantry,” she said.

Students at Thornton are involved in community service projects throughout the year. Another large endeavor in the works is a holiday drive in December to buy presents for needy families.

“It’s all about giving back,” said Martin.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.