A football field usually brings people together to cheer for a team. On October 25, 2026, students in Howell, New Jersey, brought people together for something even more important: helping neighbors facing hunger.
Hundreds of young volunteers took part in the second annual 100-Yard Food Drive Challenge, organized by the nonprofit Dermer Dreams.
Their original goal was to collect 100,000 pounds of food.
They ended up collecting more than 250,000.
A Field Full of Kindness
Thousands of yellow bags filled Howell High School’s football field, stretching from one end zone to the other. There were so many donations that additional bags had to be placed along the sidelines.
But the generosity began long before collection day.
Through the nonprofit’s Neighborhood Captain Program, students organized food drives, invited neighbors to contribute, and encouraged families and local businesses to get involved.
On the day of the event, volunteers worked together to organize the donations. Members of Howell High School’s football team helped move the food into trucks.
From One Field to Many Families
The donations were distributed to approximately 30 food bank partners across New Jersey, including Lunch Break, Fulfill, Howell Food Bank, and Open Door in Freehold.
The effort helped replenish food supplies while giving students practical experience in organizing and leading a community project.
It also built on the first 100-Yard Food Drive Challenge, held in 2025.
For the families receiving support, the result was more food available through local pantries. For the students, it was a reminder that even a simple invitation to donate can become part of something much bigger.
By the end of the day, the field was empty again.
But the kindness that filled it was already on its way to people who needed it.
