When it comes to friendly competition, the Malyons keep it all in the family. The brother and sister duo are squaring off at the International School in Bellevue for a grade-by-grade competition. The two are battling it out to become victorious in collecting the most donations for Hopelink’s Holiday Food Drive.

Sixth-grader Jonathan Malyon and his sister, Krista, a junior, were both chosen to represent their grade’s Royalty Court for the upcoming Snowflake Dance.

One male and one female student from each grade were chosen to lead their grade in collecting non-pershible food and toiletry donations for Hopelink.

The grade which collects the most donations will be announced as the winner at a special school assembly on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

The royalty pair from each grade will get to suit up in tuxes and evening gowns for the winter assembly. The winning middle school pair will be crowned the Prince and Princess and the winning high school pair will be the King and Queen of the Snowflake Dance.

“I’ve been trying to find different creative ways for my class to get excited about collecting donations,” Krista explained, adding, “I’ve made announcements during class and even baked treats to help motivate – or bribe – our classmates,” she joked.

The QFC grocery store at Crossroads has partnered with the school by setting up a booth for collecting donations and supplying $10 bags for individuals to purchase towards the food drive. QFC will then fill the bag with cans of food and give them to the students to turn over to Hopelink.

Every year, the sixth through 12th graders at the International School participate in the Hopelink Holiday Programs to help give back to the community.

To add a little fun, the school turns the annual food drive into a friendly competition in hopes of rallying up support and motivation from the student body.

Hopelink has six emergency service centers in Bellevue, Kirkland, Northshore, Redmond, Shoreline and Snoqualmie-Valley. The centers are a hub for individuals to gather assistance with food, clothing, shelter, transportation and family support.

Jonathan’s class quickly jumped ahead at the beginning of the food drive when a donation was made for $500 to go towards food and supplies. Not wanting to be outdone, Krista went around to neighbors and handed out bags with flyers attached for them to fill with canned food and leave for pick up.

“I really hope we pull it off and win,” Krista said, who has been relentless with her efforts for the food drive.

“People aren’t as fortunate as us and if we give a little bit, then we can help a lot,” Jonathon said.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or at 425-453-4602.