Hundreds of New Jersey students collected more than 250,000 pounds of food during the second annual 100-Yard Food Drive Challenge. Thousands of yellow donation bags filled Howell High School’s American football field from end to end. It was the largest food collection ever organised by the charity Dermer Dreams.
Students began by collecting food in their neighbourhoods, and the effort brought together schools, businesses, families and volunteers. Members of Howell High School’s football team helped volunteers load the bags onto hired trucks. All the food has now reached 30 food banks, which will use it to support families across the state.
The first challenge took place in 2025 at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. Students organised that event and recruited volunteers, gaining leadership skills as they worked. The second challenge continued this approach of involving young people in helping others.
Dan Dermer started Dermer Dreams in 2019 after moving to New Jersey. His wife Alyse also works with the charity. They launched its Neighbourhood Captain Programme when they realised that high school students needed opportunities to complete community service hours. The programme gave students a way to spend those hours helping their communities.
