Every November, two can-filled buses approach the North Whidbey Help House, and a slew of volunteers eagerly gather to help unload and carefully pack the non-perishable items in the shed. 

This Oak Harbor tradition has been going on for a long time.  Each November, students from each grade level compete in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most cans of food.  While actual winners are never determined, the students continue to push the limits on how many items they can get donated to line their halls.

The food items get collected on the same Tuesday every year (the last Tuesday before school is out for the Thanksgiving holiday) by the organizer of the fundraiser, Larry Falcon, and his faithful companion, Francis Bagarella, our Transportation Director.  Two buses circle the district picking up the goods and delivering them to North Whidbey Help House.

At Help House, Navy partners, student leaders, and community volunteers pitch in a helping hand to unload. This year, they unloaded 19,300 food items setting a new record! Last year, the district collected just over 13,000.  During this beautiful time of Thanksgiving, the students of Oak Harbor step up and participate in an OHmazing cause, giving back to the community they so dearly love. All of the donated food will stay in the Oak Harbor community, helping those in need this holiday season. 

Thank you to all of the generous families who participated in this year’s Fill the Bus food drive. The Oak Harbor community is a special place, thanks to incredible people like you!