It was pajama day at Kent elementary school Friday, but it was also a day to cart dozens of cans, boxes and packages to the food bank.
The Grade 2 class braved damp weather, many clad in their pajamas as a special treat for the last day of school. And each child carried a grocery bag full of much-desired food items — tuna, noodles, soups and sauces.
They giggled about being in pajamas, and they chatted about how many cans they collected. And when one student's bag broke and lost a can of salmon — unbeknownst to him — another student picked it up for him without missing a beat.
And when they all arrived at the food bank's doors, they were greeted with smiles and a chorus of thank you's.
But it wasn't just food the class brought over. Kent's school choir managed to raise $37 amongst themselves, and that was handed over as well.
"Should we sing them a song?" their teacher asked.
"No!" they all yelled, probably a little nervous.
But, they indeed broke into song, with We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
And to finish off the trip, each child was given a chocolate chip cookie before they headed back to school.
Overall, Agassiz Harrison Community Services has seen a 20 per cent increase in donations this year. But executive director Heidi Trautman said the need has risen along with that.
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