In these challenging economic times, the youth of Bellevue voted to give up their traditional relay to help others. For the past decade, high school students, dedicated adult volunteers and the City of Bellevue staff have held the Bellevue 24-Hour Relay Challenge in the Downtown Park The popular event drew nearly 1,500 youth and adults last year. The relay usually raises money for youth projects throughout the city. This year when underwriting lagged, the youth decided to reinvent the event.

This year the group is holding a food drive. Teams, consisting of 10 youth, are ringing doorbells to collect donations for the food banks at Hopelink, Overlake Service League and World Impact Network.

"We'll be back as a relay next year," said Helena Stephens, manager of Teen Services for the City of Bellevue. "Everyone agreed this year it is more important to help the community in a more basic way."

Instead of seeing recording miles each team walks in the park, the teens are competing to bring in the most food. The goal is 24,000 pounds. They'll be at the Bellevue Downtown Park 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. If you want to help, bring nonperishable food donations to the park where teenage organizers will welcome you with open arms.