The seventh annual Mercer Island High School band food drive will take place April 2-3.

The MIHS band has been collecting food for the past six years as a community service activity. All high school band members, roughly 300 students freshman through seniors, participate in this event.

Last year’s effort, in which each band instrument section competed to gather the most food, netted over six tons for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services and Northwest Harvest. The saxophone section came in first.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be able to organize hundreds of smart young people to do some good work on behalf of others and, because we can, we believe we should,” said Parker Bixby, band director. “Our program stresses the importance of service within and beyond our community as an integral part of demonstrating gratitude and concern for those around us.”

An event of this size only happens with the dedication and help of many people — parent volunteer drivers, band directors, community band sponsorsand students. This year’s food drive is being organized and led by two student volunteers, Adrian Ashley and Alison Rorem. They are coordinating the efforts of hundreds to get the job done.

Mark your calendar now and watch for a flyer to be delivered to your door on Saturday, April 2.

If you receive a flyer, you can place your generous and appreciated donation on the doorstep. A band member will pick it up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3.

If you don’t get a flyer, you may still donate food at collection stations at both the QFCs on the Island, Island Books and the front entrance to MIHS.

The Mercer Island School District’s band program serves nearly 1,000 students, which comprises 40 percent of the students enrolled in grades five through 12. The band instructors teach students from all six of Mercer Island’s elementary, middle and high schools daily.