NORWICH – For a second straight year, the Norwich High School Cheerleaders will be collecting non-perishable food items for donation to Catholic Charities’ Roots and Wings program at all home basketball games throughout the month of December as part of the squad’s 2012 Holiday Food Drive.

According to NHS Cheerleadering coach Marie DeSarro, the drive is simply one more way to get her squad involved in the community.

“Teaching our cheerleaders that there are people right here in our own backyard who may not have a big meal on their table every night is important,” noted DeSarro. “Not to mention how important it is to make sure that our neighbors aren’t going hungry. Sometimes it seems like our younger generations think everything in life should be handed to them and I want these girls to understand that life isn’t always easy.”

Donations will be accepted at tonight’s Tom Schwan Tournament, and during home games at NHS to be held Dec. 6, Dec. 11, Dec. 14 and 15, Dec. 19 and Dec. 21, added DeSarro. Suggested food items include canned meats such as tuna fish, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, boxed potatoes or rice, hot and cold cereals and canned tomato products, among other non-perishable goods.