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“Operation Turkey: Baldwin Shares the Harvest”

“Operation Turkey: Baldwin Shares the Harvest”

Baldwin Middle School Raises $2000 for Local Families in Need

Baldwin Middle School's Student Interest Organization (SIO), advised by Courtney Nelson and Ashley Firmbach, and the National Junior Honor Society under the guidance of Laurie Tricamo, recently joined together to kick off this holiday season with a heartwarming initiative—Operation Turkey: Baldwin Shares the Harvest. The collaborative endeavor aspired to provide families in need within the Baldwin community with a warm and plentiful Thanksgiving meal. In less than a month, the middle school raised $2,000. In addition, they received five frozen turkeys to donate, all of which will be distributed to the families in need right before the November break. 

A Mission Beyond Meals

Inspired by the district's focus on civic engagement, Operation Turkey goes beyond providing “comfort food.” The act of giving also educates students on the values of hope, kindness, and fostering a sense of community.  

To help amplify the effort, the school partnered with Dream Chasers with Kris, Inc.—a Long Island-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping single mothers achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small. “A Dream Chaser is someone who has the courage to pursue their dreams and the faith to succeed,” according to their Instagram. From the start of the fundraiser, the not-for-profit also committed to making a substantial donation to help the middle school families achieve their dreams.

Throughout the month of November, community members, middle school families, students and staff were encouraged to complete a pledge form with their donation. The SIO and National Junior Honor Society organized the fundraiser in the Main Office of the school and actively promoted the effort in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Students, Haley Prabhakar, Synthia Desantos, Jace Bristol, Cerai Ashby and Sebastian Graham, led the initiative and were proud, even overwhelmed, by the final amount raised.  

Middle school social worker, Ms. Carmela Tufano, explained that not all families are able to prepare a Thanksgiving turkey based on their varying levels of need, which is why gift cards to grocery stores or local restaurants often make wonderful gifts. Ms. Tufano, who she herself incorporates non-traditional staples on Thanksgiving for her Italian family such as her homemade raviolis, added that families today now celebrate Thanksgiving through a variety of cuisines and customs, moving beyond the conventional turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Each year, she and Ms. Margaret Lorenz along with other social workers from across the district work together to identify families most in need of support.  

A Festive Presentation of Gifts

“Operation Turkey: Baldwin Shares the Harvest” set the bar high. Dr. Erica Taylor, principal of Baldwin Middle School, organized an official presentation of the monetary gifts and turkeys, where middle school representatives of the SIO and Junior Honor Society were able to present the social workers with the gifts to give to the Baldwin families. In addition, Kristina Halloway, the Founder of Dream Chasers with Kris, attended and presented an enlarged check for $500 on behalf of her non-profit. She expressed her gratitude for being part of this initiative and shared her admiration for the impressive amount raised by the middle school.

“This incredible achievement underscores the power of community spirit and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause,” said Dr. Erica Taylor, Baldwin Middle school. “Every donation, regardless of size, is a step toward bringing joy and nourishment to those who need it most. Thanks to these generous gifts, every one of our families can now enjoy an even brighter holiday season.“

The families will receive their gifts just in time for their Thanksgiving celebration.

See related coverage in  Baldwin Herald  >> 

  • Baldwin MS