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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- 15,000 cans is the goal for Ottumwa High School’s Canned Food Drive put on by the school’s Interact Club.

Monday kicked off the first day of the drive, a friendly competition between all of the third period classes.

It’s a reminder to students and the community that there are many people in our area that are struggling to put food on the table.

Organizers said they hope to have an entire corner of the cafeteria full of canned goods.

“I don't think that some of the students realize that we have students in our school that don't know where their next meal is coming from and I think if they were more aware, some kids that have extra things are willing to go the extra mile to help people that don’t,” said Heather Swanstrom, Interact Club Co-sponsor.

And there’s a pretty amazing incentive for the class that collects the most canned goods; an afternoon off of school for a trip to the movies or a game of bowling.

The competition will run up until students leave for Thanksgiving Break.

The community is also welcome to drop off any canned goods to the Welcome Center in the high school’s cafeteria.