Chamois Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members are holding a food drive at school and in the community from Nov. 6-16. Students are collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items for The Food Bank of Central and Northeastern Missouri for distribution by the Good Shepherd Food Pantry in Linn to those in need in Osage County.

FBLA members will put bags with notes asking for donations on Chamois residents’ doorknobs on Saturday, Nov. 6, and pick up the filled bags from front porches on Saturday, Nov. 13. 

Chamois students are also encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to school. Elementary students will also participate in the food drive with their celebration of National Children’s Book Week, Nov 8-15.  The class that donates the most food items gets a popcorn party.

“We had strong support from our community for last year’s FBLA food drive, and we’re hoping for that kind of generosity again this year,” Principal Jeremy McKague said.

More than 700 food items were collected last year. 

The community food drive is just one of the activities of the Chamois FBLA chapter, which helps prepare students for careers in business through community service, academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs.

“We appreciate the FBLA students’ collection efforts and the positive impact they will make in Osage County,” The Food Bank of Central and Northeastern Missouri food and fund drive coordinator Guy Clow stressed. “Especially during the holiday season, we want to be sure all families have the essentials.”

Recommended donation items include canned meat, canned fruits, and vegetables, beans, rice, cereal, peanut butter, soup, and pasta.