POST FALLS - The kids hit a home run with their food drive.

Now it's the community's turn to step up to the plate.

Post Falls students have collected about 28,000 pounds of food for the Post Falls Food Bank this school year, most of which was generated this week through a spirit contest for the annual Spring Community Food Drive that concludes today at Trading Company Store.

"This has been the most exciting drive ever," school food drive organizer Mark Jones said. "The creativity and enthusiasm that these schools had is what we asked for."

Each school thought of ways to raise food donations and hunger awareness. Seltice Elementary students hopped on the "Seltice Food Train" with donations. Middle school and New Vision students built a world and castle out of canned food at City Hall under a program called "canstruction."

The winner of the elementary school challenge will be announced at the food drive festivities today at 11 a.m. during intermission of a youth talent show. Unlike previous years where schools were judged on the weight of the donations, judges also factored in school spirit, awareness, community involvement, creativity and displays.

Food raised during Prairie Pig week set the stage for this week's student food drive activities.

The drive concludes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

The Kelly Hughes Band plays from noon to 3 p.m. A talent show starts at 10 a.m. There will also be food vendors, a bike rodeo and kids activities.

Suggested donation items include canned food, peanut butter and hygiene products. Pre-packaged bags will be available to purchase.

Information: www.postfallsfoodbank.org