U.S. Jones Elementary is in the midst of its second year of a “Feed the Children” drive in which it strives to provide nonperishable food items to needy local families.

“I wanted to do something around here,” U.S. Jones teacher Brian Bradley, who spearheads the drive, said of a decision he reached after looking into similar programs worldwide.

In his efforts to implement the “Feed the Children” drive at U.S. Jones, Bradley contacted a Marion-based organization that helped him establish the necessary connections for the program.

The drive collected 3,600 pounds of food last year that was divided between families in Marion and the food pantry in Demopolis.

“I can’t say how impressive that was,” Bradley said.

“We got a letter from the Marion folks that over 100 families got fed on Christmas day with only half of our food,” Bradley said. “Our goal is that no child goes hungry on Christmas day.”

Bradley said he is confident this year’s effort will be just as successful.

“Our goal this year is 1200 items and I know our kids will meet it,” Bradley said. “Every one of them will come through.”

Bradley, who heads up the effort along with fellow coaches Tammy Causey and Ricky Richardson, said donations can be taken to U.S. Jones before the Dec. 12 deadline.