Every year many families are in need of meals and support, especially during the winter months and holiday season. In 2023 alone, an estimated 50 million people were helped out by food drives. The main goal is to help supply meals and nutrients to households and raise awareness for food shortages and families in need.

This November, the Spanish Honor Society, led by President Sophia Hernandez and advised by Mrs. Raborg, organized its first Thanksgiving food drive titled “La Cosecha de Gratitud,” which translates to “The Harvest of Gratitude.” The name reflects the idea that we should recognize what we have and choose to share it with others.

For Hernandez, the meaning behind the drive is personal and purposeful. “Thanksgiving is coming around the corner, and we wanted to help the less fortunate so everyone can experience Thanksgiving,” she said. Thanksgiving dinner symbolizes more than just food on a table—it represents togetherness, comfort, and appreciation. The society wants to ensure that more families can enjoy a sense of warmth, connection, and celebration. However, not every family has the means to celebrate in that way. This food drive helps make that experience more accessible.

The Harvest of Gratitude food drive runs from November 3 to November 17, and the society is collecting non-perishable food items in a shopping cart located near the front office. Once the drive is complete, all donations will be delivered to the Helping Hands and Caring Hearts Food Bank, a local organization dedicated to providing groceries and essential resources to families who need them most. The society hopes these donations will help bring comfort and stability to households during the holiday season.

The Spanish Honor Society is encouraging all students and staff to participate before the drive ends. Anyone can contribute by dropping off items in the donation cart, even a single can or box makes a difference. By donating, students have the chance to support families in our community in having a warm Thanksgiving meal this season.

This food drive marks a meaningful step in expanding the Spanish Honor Society’s efforts. However, organizing it for the first time came with challenges. “One of the hardest parts was figuring out where to store all the food we collected,” she explained. She added that if she were to organize the drive again, she would “do more social media outreach” to spread awareness and encourage greater participation school-wide.

When asked to describe the project in one word, she chose “optimistic,” reflecting her belief that small acts of generosity can lead to meaningful change. The Spanish Honor Society is excited to continue spreading kindness, with a Toy Drive coming up in December to help bring joy to families during the winter holidays.

Let’s keep the spirit going. Whether it’s donating a can of soup, spreading the word, or helping with upcoming projects, every act of kindness adds to something bigger. Together, we can show what Urbana is capable of—support, compassing, and generosity that extends far beyond our school walls. Take a moment, give what you can, and be part of the Harvest of Gratitude!