Courtesy Photo Besser Elementary School students celebrate the donations they gathered to help those in need in this undated photo provided by Alpena Public Schools.

ALPENA – The Besser Elementary School family shared the spirit of the holiday season by collecting canned goods and personal care items to help those in need.

Between Nov. 14 and 23, Besser students, parents, and staff collected 2,077 items, with an additional 155 items donated by Hinks Elementary School.

Donations were delivered to the Little Food Pantry, operated by Grace Lutheran Church in Alpena. The pantry provides short-term food and hygiene items to anyone who needs them.

Students offered special thanks to the APS bus driver who donated his time to make the delivery, said Lee Fitzpatrick, Alpena Public Schools communications director.