During the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, students at Western Coventry Elementary School were busy with not only homework, family and friends, but also the important task of collecting non-perishable food items for local families in need.

"Our students collected 2,101 cans of food during the drive," said Barbara Scanlon, who coordinates the school's charitable projects, including the Feinstein Good Deeds Club.

Alan Shawn Feinstein, one of Rhode Island's most notable philanthropists, agreed to match up to 2,000 food items with a check for $2,000 to the school.

Feinstein visited Western Coventry on Tuesday morning to express to the students how proud he was of their work during the food drive and throughout the year as they perform good deeds as Feinstein Junior Scholars.

"You helped spearhead my campaign to fight hunger in Rhode Island," he said. "You do wonderful work and I'm so proud of you."

During his visit, Feinstein also delivered good deed journals and brand new Feinstein Junior Scholar cards that resulted in enthusiastic applause from the students.

"You have the power to put smiles on other people's faces by doing good deeds," he said. "I don't believe there is a boy or girl in this room that won't live up to their card."

Scanlon explained that the money will go towards future charitable and good deed projects.