“Cram the Van is a good opportunity for our community to help each other by donating nonperishable items to our local Mission Mart,” senior Colt Shobe said.

In past years the community has competed against the opposing football team’s community. This year, however, instead of competing with another school, the district competed against itself by setting a high goal of 4500 cans. The goal was exceeded with 5,070 cans donated. Because the district reached the goal, students will be released at 1 p.m. on Nov. 21.

“Without this drive, the Mission Mart would not have enough items to support everyone who needs it,” senior Lacey Pauly said. “I think it’s a great way to show that we care, and it gives people an opportunity to donate who might not have thought of doing so on their own.”

All the cans donated at Friday's game will get put into the Wheatland Electric van and sent to the Presbyterian church, where the Mission Mart is housed.

“I enjoy Cram the Van because it’s helping people, and it brings our schools together,” junior Leah Reep said.