Students may have noticed the melodious sounds of Scott Kopp's voice resounding through the school during announcements. Not only has it been a reminder of our campus minister's talent but of the canned food drive that began Nov. 2.

Last year's drive netted 7,952 cans, falling short of the 10,000-can goal. Although the goal was not met, this year's goal is 12,000 cans. This will be distributed among 10 service agencies in Summit County and will provide local families with up to 14,400 meals.

Just as the goal has increased, so has the effort in organizing the drive, which has been a Hoban tradition for nearly 35 years.

Senior Brian Reilly, the student council president, is optimistic about the drive.

"We've made a bigger push this year," he said. "I think people will respond."

Brother Ken Haders, school president, has several goals for the drive.

"I hope we can help those with greater need," he said. "In Matthew's Gospel we are told that God will decide who gets into heaven based on what we have done, like feeding the hungry."

Haders also thinks the drive is beneficial to the Hoban community.

"I hope that we all learn a little more about the needs of others and how we can help," he said.

To boost the success of the drive, competitions between first period classes and grade levels have been established. The winner among first period classes will receive breakfast, and the grade level with the most cans will receive the prestigious Golden Can award. As of Friday, the leaders of the first period classes is Mary Lou Swinerton's class, and the class leaders are the seniors.

Kopp thinks the drive is a great way to give back to the community.

"It's something everyone can get involved with," he said.

Kopp offered several suggestions on ways to collect cans, particularly by targeting the community surrounding students' homes. He suggested handing out flyers or sending e-mails to neighbors, indicating who the donations are for and that it is being sponsored by Hoban.

A few items Kopp suggested for donations are canned soups, canned vegetables, boxed pastas, baby formula, cereals and hot chocolate.

Haders thinks the food drive helps fulfill Hoban's mission statement.

"It calls us to become compassionate individuals and responsible stewards of God's creation," he said. "All these things apply to our actions on behalf of those less fortunate than we."

The canned food drive ends Nov. 22.