NILES — Niles Middle School students competed over the last two weeks to bring in the most items for the Dragon Pantry and win an ice cream party.

Students at the school, which houses sixth, seventh and eighth grades, brought 739 items. The pantry accepts nonperishable food, clothes, hygiene products, blankets and school supplies. Intervention specialist Mary Wike’s students organized the pantry and will continue to maintain the pantry and check expiration dates.

The competition was by homeroom. Social studies teacher Marijane Parry’s homeroom won with 153 items. Technology teacher Lauren Patton’s homeroom came in second with 110 items, and Title I teacher Christine Falleti’s homeroom came in third place with 86 items.

“The whole two weeks it was neck-and-neck between (Patton and Falleti’s) classrooms, then the very last day, Ms. Parry’s classroom brought in 110 cans,” Wike said. “They swept everyone away.”

The top five students will attend the ice cream party with Patton’s class on Wednesday. The top student brought in 58 items.

This drive is done annually, but this was Wike’s first time in charge of the competition. She said she will likely make some changes next year to get some children more engaged, but it went well overall. This annual drive and the annual Harvest Dinner, which was held last week, are the two biggest collection events of the year.

Wike said the drive is a good learning experience for students. She took the opportunity to teach her students how to check expiration dates and organize food at home, as well as to have a conversation with them about how some families in the district may not be as fortunate as they may be.

Families in need of items the Dragon Pantry has to offer can call the school to set up a time to come to the pantry, or students can tell their eighth-period teacher that they need to go at the end of the day. Principal Sam Reigle also makes announcements over the intercom at school and through calls to families. Wike said this drive is a great way to let students know that they have this option if their family is in need.

Community members who would like to donate can bring items to the middle school.