By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Despite the tough economic times, the students at Louisiana Technical College in Reserve showed the true spirit of the season with their incredible response to the school’s call for donations for their annual Thanksgiving food drive.

“This is about two to three times bigger than we did last year,” said Student Government Association President Valerie Gaspard. “I think this is phenomenal.”

According to SGA Chief Senator Ky Wilson, over 2,000 items were collected this year. That was more than enough to fill baskets for the 39 individuals and families on LTC’s recipient list.

The list was compiled by faculty, staff and students at the school, and according to Gaspard, many of the recipients were students.

“We don’t have the traditional students here,” she said, adding, “We try to give to the students first.”

In addition to the baskets, the SGA also provided gift certificates for a ham or turkey from Matherne’s for everyone on the list.

The baskets and gift certificates were handed out on Thursday and Friday.

Wilson said the response was made all the sweeter by the fact that many students made a special trip to the grocery store just to buy items for the food drive.

“It’s good that the school could come together for the community,” said Wilson.

After Thanksgiving week, the SGA will begin its next major holiday charity event, Toys for Tots.

Gaspard said they will start collecting toys for children through 12 years of age.

According to Gaspard, the toys will be distributed Dec. 13.