POST FALLS - Post Falls students have done their part this school year to help the hungry.

This week's K-5 challenge raised 8,381 pounds of food for the Post Falls Food Bank.

"Any food bank in any city in the country would be simply shocked to receive in one day and in one single donation from their local schools 8,381 pounds of food," said Mark Jones, the school district's alternative to suspension coordinator who organized the food drives.

The amount, combined with the 5,517 pounds raised during the high school's Prairie Pig food drive and the 1,700 pounds generated by the middle schools' Souper Bowl food drive, made 15,598 pounds from all schools combined this school year.

The total amount is slightly less than the 16,569 pounds raised last year, but is comparable since the Frederick Post Kindergarten had a penny drive rather than a food drive, Jones said.

Jones said about 150,000 pounds have been collected since the coordinated school food drives started nine years ago.

West Ridge Elementary won the Spirit Award during the K-5 challenge.

Prairie View Elementary students said the drive was worth the effort.

"In my opinion, I think that it was nice to help people that wanted PVE's help," said student Blake Gleaves.

Another student, Rylee Maurer, added: "I know I am doing the right thing, and it's fun."