The “Nicholls Can!” program was started in 2012 by Jean Donegan, and along with it came the Can Wars competition. Since then, over 147,000 items have been donated to local food banks.

On Wednesday Nov. 8, the Geomatics Student Association and the Art Club were the only groups to participate in the contest this year. 

According to the guidelines, competitors would collect any non-perishable items to create a sculpture out of. They could not use anything besides these items, which would be donated to the can drive.

The Art Club used packages of paper towels and cereal boxes to make a train set. Their sculpture was voted Most Creative, while the Geomatics group’s Christmas tree and Nicholls logo were voted as Most School-Spirited. Both clubs received $250. 

Art professor Michael Williams has been in charge of the can drive since 2014. He said, “Can Wars was just a way to get clubs interested.” The most organizations he has seen participating has been five. 

Though Can Wars is a notable part of the “Nicholls Can!” program, each department has been collecting student donations since Oct. 30. Both non-perishable items and monetary donations have been accepted. 

According to Williams, all of the items will be counted, boxed and brought to the Environmental Safety Building on campus where they will be picked up by food banks the following week.

“One of the things I always try to get my students to think about […],” Williams said, “is think about the kids. They can’t decide who their family members are, and they might be in a tough spot. A little bit can go a long way.”

All donations go to Mom’s Pantry and food banks in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Galliano, Morgan City and Dulac.