Elk Grove High School's Student Council, Public Service Practicum and Leadership Council are combining efforts toward a common goal: to collect 10,000 cans/nonperishable foods in a campaign called "Harvest for Hope."

The all-school effort, coordinated by these three separate groups, will continue through Friday, Nov. 20.

This year, Harvest for Hope will support food pantries in Elk Grove Village and Des Plaines, and Vital Bridges, which assists area HIV/AIDS patients.

According to EGHS Student Council sponsor Midge Thomas, PSP and Leadership Council students are making promotional and educational video announcements to tell the student body about the importance of giving within the community.

Student Council members have created a display along the school's cafe windows to market the food drive and chart its progress.

"We are holding a competition between first period classes, similar to the advisory competition we have had in the past," said Thomas. "The first period class with the greatest number of donations per student will win breakfast, complements of Student Council."

A community donation table will also be set up in the front entrance of the school to support collections in and around student neighborhoods.

Within neighborhoods, Student Council and PSP students will drop off grocery bags on local doorsteps, soliciting donations. An accompanying flyer will describe the type of nonperishable items requested, as well as pickup information on the collection of filled bags.

Call (847) 718-4646 or e-mail the Student Council sponsor at midge.thomas@d214.org.