Ashley Niccum and fellow students and members of Canstruction TC team Can Dos representing Grand Traverse Academy have made it a habit to give back to the community.

"We've helped out with Father Fred before," said the 16-year-old junior, who believes that volunteering while in school is setting a pattern they are all likely to follow into adulthood.

She and several other students, along with an engineer, are going to be using 2,000 cans to build a replica of a slice of cherry pie on a blue plate with a scoop of ice cream on the side when they participate in Canstruction TC.

"The inspiration was just that we wanted to do something that represents our area, and what better than cherries?" said Ashley.

Sponsor World Magnetics is providing the cans of food, which Ashley said the group selected for their colors as well as for nutritional value.

"More, we tried to choose hearty soups or high-protein items," she said.

And the group is looking forward to turning all of the food over to the Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive at the conclusion of Canstruction TC.

"That's definitely what makes us keep going, even though it s a little difficult sometimes," she said. "We just really like helping the community, and knowing that what we're doing is making a difference with the local people."

Jan. 28. The event is a build-up to the annual Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive, which runs Feb. 3-12 and aims to fill at least three semis with food for the Father Fred food pantry. Please give – donations of all sizes are needed. Anonymous donors have pledged a $100,000 value match for donations of food, personal care items and cash during the food drive.

The Can Dos from Grand Traverse Academy will be building their entry during Canstruction TC at the Grand Traverse Mall this Saturday (January 28) at Canstruction TC. It is a build-up to the annual Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive, running February 3-12 and aiming to fill at least three semis with food for the Father Fred food pantry. Please give – donations of all sizes are needed. Anonymous donors have pledged a $100,000 value match for donations of food, personal care items and cash during the food drive.