More than 600 Austin-area students are collecting food and coats for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas and Coats for Kids in preparation for local nonprofit A Legacy of Giving's Day of Service on Nov. 26.

Students from Austin ISD as well as private, charter and Montessori schools are collecting clothing and food items and will unload donations at the Capital Area Food Bank during the fifth annual event. A Legacy of Giving offers students hands-on, real-life giving experiences.

Last year, the drive provided 4,497 coats and about 38,000 meals to the community, according to A Legacy of Giving. Hank Perret, president and CEO of Capital Area Food Bank, said the nonprofit appreciates the support.

"Teaching philanthropy and the notion of giving back at a young age is so important," he said in a news release. "It is heartwarming to see children in action gathering coats and food for families in need, and this food will help us feed more families again this year."

More information is available at www.austinfoodbank.org.