Hundreds of Moon Area Middle School students circled the track at Tiger Stadium on Friday for a good cause.

Students gathered monetary pledges for the second annual Turkey Trot and raised $3,000 to donate to the West Hills Food Pantry.

The school's parent/teacher group and student council planned the event, which included a DJ and snacks.

Middle school teacher, Monica Zajicek started the Turkey Trot tradition at Moon after seeing it succeed at her children's school, Chartiers Valley School District.

"Chartiers Valley has been doing the Turkey Trot for about six years now and I thought maybe we could start a tradition here at Moon to help the local food bank," she said.

Zajicek said she is thrilled at the students' willingness to participate and their eagerness to help others.

"We raised $3,000, so it's exciting," she said.

Last year's Turkey Trot raised $4,000, but Zajicek is confident that students can reach that number again next year.

Until then, she hopes the money raised can make the holidays for food pantry clients a little brighter.

"I hope the food pantry uses the money for turkey dinners or something of that nature for the people to celebrate a Thanksgiving meal," Zajicek said.