Area FFA groups recently did their annual corn drives to raise money for Minnesota’s Camp Courage, a camp for children with disabilities or impairments.

Glenville-Emmons’ FFA group went out to area fields on Thursday, Oct. 14, and had raised more than $4,500 by Tuesday, Oct. 19. The group still expected more donations.

“Everyone we asked donated,” G-E junior, Ryan Meincke said.

Sampson Dairy donated milk to the students who participated in the corn drive, and then the students baked cookies so they could give farmers a snack while they talked about their cause.

The students collect corn or cash from farmers who are harvesting their fields. G-E FFA Adviser Angie James said the FFA has been doing corn drives for many, many years.

Albert Lea’s FFA also participated in a corn drive on Saturday, Oct. 16. There were 25 students in 11 trucks out in the community trying to raise money. Kim Meyer, FFA Adviser at Albert Lea High School, hoped to raise at least $4,000.

“This is one of our living to serve projects, and we talked about the students who benefited from it,” Meyer said. “It’s a tradition that’s been going on for many years.”

Meyer said the students usually drive around in trucks and stop when they see a farmer combining their field. When the farmer stops the students explain what they’re raising money for.

Alden-Conger’s FFA group also did a corn drive this year. Sophomores, juniors and seniors participated, with 18 total students trying to raise funds.