More than 7,000 items were collected this month for area food pantries.

According to Knob Noster R-8 School District officials, all schools have collectively donated over 5,000 items to the Knob Noster Food Pantry from its food drive.

In addition, Triad-AFJROTC cadets collected another 2,000-plus items that were donated to food pantries in La Monte and Warrensburg.

School district officials say, “Supporting our community is the best gift we can give this holiday season.”