DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — As ABC11 prepares for the 40th annual ABC11 Together Food Drive, it highlights impactful efforts from the past four decades. One standout event was a record-setting food drive organized by students at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in 2011.
Ryan O’Donnell, an alumnus and student leader of the initiative, explained that the drive started in 2010 with the ambitious goal of breaking a world record. “We raised about 300,000 pounds of food that year, and the following year, with more partners and volunteers, we exceeded half a million pounds,” he noted.
The unique culture of NCSSM—a high school within the University of North Carolina System—primes students for collective action. “It brings together students from across the state who all want to contribute meaningfully,” O’Donnell added.
Initially, the students aimed to set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of nerds, but upon discovering that this category was not approved, they shifted focus to the largest 24-hour food drive at a single location. This effort culminated in the impressive collection of 559,885 pounds of food, establishing a still-standing Guinness World Record.
Sue Anne Lewis, an instructor at NCSSM, emphasized that while the record was a fun aspect, the primary aim was to help those in need. O’Donnell reflected on how the initiative ignited a desire in many students to continue community service beyond the drive.
As the ABC11 Together Food Drive approaches, O’Donnell urges everyone to contribute: “If you have the means, consider donating a few extra items. It’s a simple way to make a significant difference.”
For more stories from ABC11 Together, check out the ABC11 News App.
Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
