The clock is ticking to donate food and toys for distribution to local homeless students.

The 3H Exchange, or High Schools Helping the Homeless, has once again partnered with the Cape Coral Police Department over the holidays to set up donation bins at the CCPD headquarters, at 1100 Cultural Park Blvd. Bins are also located at the Chester Street Resource Center, at 4816 Chester St.

The donation drive, which kicked off on Friday, will run through Dec. 13.

“We’re off to kind of a slow start,” Eric Decker, founder of the 3H Exchange, said.

Last year, an estimated 1,400 to 1,500 items – a combination of both food and toys – were donated by the community. In 2014, over 700 food items and approximately 25 boxes of toys were collected.

“Last year was actually a really successful drive,” he said.

As for this year’s goal, Decker only has one.

“My goal is just to help as many families as I possibly can,” he said.

There are currently more than 700 homeless students registered in the Lee County School District. Decker explained that the 3H Exchange works with each school’s social workers and counselors.

“It’s the guidance counselors and social workers who actually divide the stuff up,” he said.

Decker noted that students in elementary, middle and high school are recipients.

All of the donations remain in Lee County.

Donated items being sought are canned food and non-perishable food items, along with toys.

“As far as toys go, we’re collecting new unwrapped toys,” Decker said.

As for food, easy-to-make items like canned soup are recommended, along with food items that are high in protein. One recommendation is peanut butter, which it versatile and can last a long time.

“Every donation is sincerely appreciated by me and by the families we’re helping,” he said.

“Every little bit helps,” Decker added.

For information, visit Facebook at: www.facebook.com/The3HExchange.