There are many Heritage students and teachers who are in need of help, even though some might not realize it.

This year the Philanthropy Club, Muslim Student Association and D.O.L.L.S hosted our second annual canned food drive.

“We donate to under-privileged people who don’t even know what they’re going to eat for dinner that night,” said Shannon Duncan, president of the Philanthropy Club.

The drive provided approximately 4,000 items for Frisco Family Services.

“I always see peers, like I see my teachers, I see students around the school, and it’s devastating seeing that even people that I know are struggling with even simple things that I have the luxury for,” Duncan said.

Items such as toothpaste, diapers, baking mixes, snacks, and canned foods were brought in.

“Last year we fed around 35 families,” Prashy Veeramraju said.

Many Heritage students make it their job to help out the community.

“They didn’t do anything to be in that condition, so it’s our duty to help them out,” said Abeer Siddiqui.

“I don’t want anyone to be in the position where they have to suffer, and they can’t have food on their plate,” Niha Sheikh said.

Sometimes, it can be a struggle to get students motivated to help the cause.

To help motivate the donations, points were given to each 2A class every time someone brought in something.

In addition, some teachers offered extra credit to get students to donate.

In the end, Mrs. Fergie’s 2A class brought in the most donations.

“You can’t force them to like donate, it has to be on their own will,” Osvaldo Ponce said.

By making an effort to give back, students can turn helping out the community into a habit.

“Habits are made when you’re young, so if you make a habit of doing charity work then it’ll be considered routine for you,” Abeer Siddiqui said.