Local school taking a spin on March Madness to give back

March Madness starts Thursday with many supporting their favorite college basketball team.

But one local school is taking a spin on the spring tradition, using the bracket system for a good cause.

For the students at Sacred Heart School, March Madness isn’t about basketball, it’s about giving back.

This is the second year the students decided to collect food instead of pick teams.

“It’s made it more exciting for the kids and then they’re doing more and then the community gets more,” said Principal Alan Bruzzio.

The collection started on Monday, with each grade competing against each other to see who’s class can donate the most.

It works just as normal brackets do, with each class advancing each day.

On Wednesday it’s down to the final four.

One class from sixth, third, second and first grade.

With every grade confident they will come out on top.

“Wow that’s a lot of food,” said Gabriella Vallejo.

Students said it feels good to give back.

“Because its really nice to give not get,” said second grader Leah Martin.

“Some people don’t have food or a home. So I bet everyone in the school feels good we have this much food,” said first grader Joe Mejia.

They realize it’s important to share their fortune with others.

“I think it’s very important to support our community because we are so fortunate and we always have to give back to those in need,” said sixth grader Ashley Wilkins.

And that’s all Principal Bruzzio said he wanted.

“We try to teach them humility, respect for others, responsibility for the larger world around them,” Bruzzio said.

The goal is to fill the entire truck up by the end of the week and donate the items to families in need in Mecca.

Bruzzio said there’s no doubt it will be full by Friday.

“I will be filled I’ll almost guarantee it,” Bruzzio said.

The winning class gets this trophy, a party and of course bragging rights.