(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue reports that between November 27th and December 13th, the Atlantic Police Department (APD) held its 11th annual canned food drive to benefit the local food pantry. The event is a grade level competition for students attending the Atlantic Early Learning Center through 5th grade.

This year the groups collected a grand total of 3,949 items that were donated to the Atlantic food pantry. In the 11 years of this program a total of 45,228 items have been collected and donated.

1st grade Hogue

2nd grade Johnson

3rd grade Benning

3rd grade Smith

4th grade Johnson

5th grade Mattson

Kindergarten Rasmussen

Chief Hogue said “We would like to congratulate the following classes on winning the competition this year:

Kindergarten – Mrs. Rasmussen’s class – 258 items

1st grade – Mrs. Hogue’s class – 240 items

2nd grade- Mrs. Johnson’s class – 222 items

3rd grade – Mrs. Benning’s class – 96 items

3rd grade – Mrs. Smith’s class – 96 items

4th grade – Mrs. Johnson’s class – 217 items

5th grade – Mrs. Mattson’s class – 158 items

(Not Pictured** the 3 year old pre-school winners.)

“The Preschool students will receive snacks and drinks for a class room party and the elementary students will receive a pizza party. These parties will be sponsored by The Atlantic Police Community Charitable Organization. Thank you to all of the parents and grandparents who help support the children in this effort. It is a great benefit each year to our local food pantry and a great representation of how wonderful our community is!!”