Aberdeen and Hoquiam students are going to work together on the Food Ball effort this year.

Normally, a spirited, but friendly competition every fall between the two school districts to see who can collect the most food and raise the most money for local food banks, this year both sides are on the same side and because of the pandemic, they will collect monetary donations only, no actual food.

“Due to the guidelines put forth at the state, local, and district levels, Hoquiam and Aberdeen High Schools will combine our efforts for Food Ball 2020,” Katie Barr and Ashley Kohlmeier, the Hoquiam and Aberdeen ASB adviser, respectively, said in a joint statement Friday. “Each school recognizes that there is still a need in our community to support the local food banks- perhaps now more than ever. However, we need to prioritize the safety of everyone involved during the COVID-19 pandemic. “

They will collect monetary donations during the originally scheduled dates of Friday, Oct. 30, to Monday November 9. Each organization that has previously received donations from either school will be given a portion of the total collected. No food donations will be accepted this year.

“We recognize that this decision is potentially disappointing for students, families, and community members,” the advisers said. “We ask for your support in our efforts, and encourage you to donate beginning October 30.”

Details will be made available at a later date, they said.