Mercer Island High School Band students collected more than six tons, or 12,300 pounds of food, and donations on behalf of the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services food bank and Northwest Harvest on April 2.

Led by student organizers Paige Robertson and Carmen Wright, more than 200 students canvassed about 90 percent of the homes on Mercer Island.

Central to the success of this event is the spirited competition between sections to bring in the most food per member. The winning section will receive a pizza party courtesy of the Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters.

“The annual MIHS Band Food Drive has become a special part of our year as it puts into action the gratitude we feel for the support of the MIHS community,” said band director Parker Bixby. “Thank you to the dozens of parent drivers, committed kids and to the Mercer Island community for their support of those in need.”

For more, contact Bixby at parker.bixby@mercerislandschools.org.