Students from Spokane Junior Academy (SJA) collected more than 4,000 food items from north-side residents for Spokane’s needy people. “Treats for the Needy” took place Oct. 19 and 20.

SJA students visited northwest neighborhoods, leaving an appeal letter for food items. On the second day, students returned to collect bags of groceries left on porches of homes.

"Young people need the blessing of taking an active part in recognizing and relieving the needs about them. The SJA students are doing something about it,” stated the SJA letter left at homes on the first visit. Teams of four to six students, driven by parents and teachers, picked up donated bags of food in the neighborhoods visited by the students. A large variety of foods were collected.

All the foods were transported to the Better Living Center, 25 East Foothills Boulevard, the same day. The foods were given to families in need here in Spokane during the Thanksgiving holiday season. A donor sent a note in her bag of food. The note read: "Thank you students for all the time and effort you contribute. I truly appreciate all the thought you put into this. But none of us can appreciate it as much as those in real need. May you all enjoy the time you put into community service. You really are giving back to the community."