Thanksgiving Acts of Giving Plentiful in Baldwin Schools

In Baldwin Union Free School District, Thanksgiving is more than another holiday celebration, but also an opportunity to come together as a community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Students, staff, and families organized a series of charitable events and initiatives that exemplify the spirit of the holiday season.

At the elementary level, for example, Brookside held a “Feathers for Feasts” fundraiser for Brookside community members in need for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Students brought in dollars, and each dollar earned a feather on the Brookside turkey. The culminating celebration was the annual Turkey Trot where classes competed against each other in fun turkey races in the gym. The total amount raised was $665. Plaza Elementary School collected money and gift cards to convert into local grocery store gift cards for families in need. Lenox also helped families in need by partnering with a community organization. Under the direction of Ms. Vincenza Simal and Ms. Linda Sandorfi, Meadow's student council conducted their annual food drive and donated the items to St. Christopher's Pantry. At Steele, the 4th Grade Enrichment Club  wrapped up their fall project by turning their Halloween Mummy Candy Bar fundraiser into a heartwarming act of generosity. Under the leadership of teacher, Mrs. Tricia Wilder, the students used the proceeds they earned to purchase Thanksgiving food items to support families in need.

At the secondary level, Baldwin Middle School's Student Interest Organization (SIO), under the leadership of Courtney Nelson and Ashley Firmbach, collaborated with the National Junior Honor Society, guided by Laurie Tricamo, to launch a heartwarming holiday initiative known as "Operation Turkey: Baldwin Shares the Harvest." This joint effort aimed to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need within the Baldwin community. In less than a month, the middle school successfully raised $2,000 and collected five frozen turkeys for donation, including a $500 contribution from local non-profit, The Dream Chasers with Kris, Inc.  

In addition, Baldwin High School’s Key Club and Virtual Enterprises also hosted a food drive for St. Christopher's Pantry. The Theatre Club helped amplify this effort by accepting donations during “The Unsinkable Molloy Brown” performances.  

Happy Thanksgiving!