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HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- A can drive is being held Monday in honor of a Hyde Park teen to celebrate his 17th birthday.

Claudio Coppola was 16-years-old when he was killed in a car accident in November. Police say his pickup truck flipped over into a marsh on Crum Elbow Road. He was a junior at F.D. Roosevelt High School.

Claudio's family says he was a selfless teen who was always caring for others less fortunate than him. That is why after his passing, the Claudio Cares Foundation was formed. The can drive is the first event the group is holding in order to help others. The group says it’s something Claudio would have wanted.

Event organizers are hoping to fill a tractor trailer with non perishable food items to be distributed to three different food pantries throughout the area.

Claudio's father says these events are a way of making sure that Claudio's selfless acts live on.

"He was an ambassador for FDR High School. And because of that, we are trying to continue his legacy of selflessness in the area by starting the can drive and the Claudio Cares Foundation," said Luigi Coppola.

Donations are being accepted at Coppola’s of Hyde Park on Monday. The can drive will be held every year on December 17th, Claudio's birthday.