VAIL, Colorado — More than 116,000 pounds of food have been collected as part of the ninth annual “Make a Difference Day” food drive, sponsored by the Vail Police Department, Vail Fire Department, Avon Police Department, Eagle River Fire Protection District, Greater Eagle Fire Protection District, Gypsum Fire Department and the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.

Although the effort has officially ended following a day-long collection on Saturday organizers Moses Gonzales and Craig Westering say donations will continue to be collected year-round.

While donations fell short of an ambitious goal of 450,000 pounds, organizers say they're grateful to everyone who participated, especially the students who collected the following: Red Sandstone Elementary with 2,385 pounds; Vail Mountain School, 1,477 pounds; Meadow Mountain Elementary, 785 pounds; Edwards Elementary, 2,010 pounds; Minturn Middle School, 345 pounds; Avon Elementary School, 530 pounds; Stone Creek School, 744 pounds; Berry Creek Middle School, 980 pounds; Battle Mountain High School, 98 pounds; Vail Academy, 1,285 pounds; June Creek Elementary, 801 pounds; St. Claire of Assisi, 320 pounds; Eagle Valley Elementary, 2,241 pounds; Red Hill Elementary, 589 pounds; Gypsum Creek Middle School, 1,124 pounds; and Gypsum Elementary, 791 pounds.

Organizers would also like to thank the following markets that allowed volunteers to accept donations on Saturday: Vail City Market, 3,120 pounds; Vail Safeway, 1,695 pounds; Avon Wal-Mart, 2,149 pounds; Avon City Market, 1,575 pounds; Edwards Village Market, 610 pounds; Eagle City Market, 1,589 pounds; and Gypsum Columbine Market, 551 pounds.

The food will be distributed to local food panties to include the Salvation Army, Bright Future Foundation and the Food Rescue Express. Organizers wish to thank all who contributed and volunteered to make a difference in the community.