MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Volunteers on Milwaukee's south side distributed thousands of boxes of food Saturday morning during Cristo Rey Jesuit High School's fourth annual mobile food drive.

Inside each box from Feeding America were healthy staples like peanut butter, rice, beans, potatoes, and cereal, plus a gift card to El Rey Foods.

Although the first-come, first-serve event technically began at 9:00 a.m., officials said cars had already begun lining up around 6:30 a.m., hours before the drive.

"All the way from 16th St. to 20th on National and Pierce here," said Father Bill Johnson. "Prices of food are going up and the economy and families are stretched so this is a way to help them get their boxes and eat."

Dozens of students braved the single digit temperatures to do their part in preparing the boxes and distributing them to cars.

"What we're doing is really helpful towards everybody since we are giving them a meal for Christmas since it's around Christmas time and I think it's something good we're doing for the community," said junior Alondra Flores, who was joined by two of her peers.

"Being with friends isn't always like hanging out, it's really important to connect in different ways," said junior Allisson Martinez. "It just shows how the school and every student here unites and they're doing stuff that's really important to the community."

Sophomore Adiel Cruz added that events like the drive help instill the values they're taught.

"I really enjoy this project that the school has given us the opportunity to do because we're able to help people in need." Cruz said.

Others noted it's important to look out for your neighbors and community, especially heading into the holiday season.

"Just helping people who need it, you know? And if I can do something, I'll do it." said freshman Santiago Hernandez.

His friend, Jose Acua, agreed, pointing out that people should volunteer if they're able.

"Every time we help each other we can help the community out that is on the streets or struggling," Acua said. "I love to help people every time they're struggling, so it warms my heart."