This week's food drive is collecting donations during lunch to purchase Thanksgiving meals for five local families. Photo by: Matthew Libersky

By Matthew Libersky

Poverty is most often a problem associated with developing countries oceans away — but during the holiday season many become aware of its presence on a more local scope.

Throughout this November at PHS, there was a school-wide food drive conducted by a number of groups for the Neighborhood Center in Plymouth. This drive was conducted during SRT and they collected items themed around a different meal each week.

There is also a food drive being conducted by JSA (Junior State of America), HEART club and Prayer club during lunch the week of Thanksgiving. The goal of the drive is to collect enough money and non-perishable food to provide Thanksgiving meals for five families with an approximate value of $30 per meal. Senior Zach Mahan said that if they receive donations beyond their goal, they will likely donate the extra to an organization such as the Neighborhood Center.