By Chloe McCullough – Staff Reporter  

The Milford Prevention Council hosted its 12th annual “Thanks 4 Giving Food Drive” this year to help those in need during the holiday season.

The food drive took place from November 11 to November 13 in the parking lot at Wasson Field in Milford. There were many community groups that participated in this year’s drive.

Some groups who attended this year’s included the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Venture Crew. All of these groups had participants in the drive and most camped out in the parking lot for two days.

The final turkey count this year was 367 and, in total, 315 families were fed this year.

Law junior Molly Mercaldo, an active participant of the drive, said that the plan was to raise as many turkeys as they could to give to needy families. Mercaldo also hoped to provide food to many families in Milford and donate to local food banks.

“The food drive is a really fun way to help the community, see your friends and make a difference in Milford,” said Mercaldo.

In previous years, scouts have collected more than 70,000 pounds of food and 1,600 turkeys. Extra food is normally donated to food banks and the drive is highly supported by local businesses.

Law junior Priya Gupta, a participant in the drive, said she was proud to continue this tradition of giving back.

“I think the food drive is a really good cause and it helps a lot of people,” Gupta said. “It really makes a difference in not only the community, but also the worl.”

The Jonathan Law Key Club was very involved in the drive as well. Key Club members helped organize cans and did other jobs that helped organizers of the drive.

“The food drive is for a great cause because it helps families in Milford who are not as fortunate as others have a great Thanksgiving,” Key Club president Mike Jalaf said. “It is also a great opportunity for community service.”

Law senior Kyle Krois, an Eagle Scout and a member of Troop 1, has been a part of the food drive for the past 11 years.

“This past year we fed over 350 families, and filled all of the food banks in Milford,” Krois said. “We only sent them to non-denominational food banks.”