INDIANAPOLIS - Times can be tough for many during the holidays and Washington Township students want to give back any way they can.
The North Central JROTC students are joining forces with the Key Club for their 38th annual canned food drive.
Key Club member Kelin Perza-Argueta said that her family has received canned items from this drive in the past.
“Sometimes we have to choose between paying the rent on time or having food to eat during the week,” she said. “That's kind of what really fuels me."
That can be an unfortunate reality for many families in the area.
“I saw one stat, actually, it was 25% of Marion County residents need some type of food assistance,” said senior Sammy Bernstein.
Since Thanksgiving, students have been collecting cans to help feed hungry Hoosiers.
"This isn't just Key Club doing everything,” said Perza-Argueta. “It's the whole North Central coming together and making sure that everybody has something to eat during the holiday season.”
Local military from the National Guard, Army Reserves and Air Force also brought food to help with the cause.
“Brooke came in at 50 pounds,” said National Guard member Monique Torres. “Mine was at 20 pounds."
After packing them into rucks, they held their first-ever Ruck Run.
Around 50 people participated in the eight laps around the indoor track to hopefully reach their goal.
“We still have the excess leftover that wasn't able to fit in those rucksacks,” said JROTC student Piper Ferringer. “I think we're definitely close to hitting that 200 families goal, and maybe even surpassing that this year."
Students who will be receiving assistance have been identified by social workers within the school system.
The last official day to donate is Dec. 6. However, cans will be accepted up until their giveaway day on Dec. 14.