The children of Hampton Bays Elementary got a special surprise on May 24 when Ronald McDonald dropped in for a visit.

Representing the Ronald McDonald House, the celebrity guest was there to collect a $500 check donated by the Hampton Bays K-Kids, as well as food and other items collected by members of the Hampton Bays Elementary School Student Council. The money was raised by a read-a-thon that the K-Kids organized. The donated items, earmarked for the Ronald McDonald House pantry, included pasta, soups, soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste and detergents for the families that need to stay at the Ronald McDonald House while their children are being treated at nearby hospitals.

While Ronald was visiting, he led character education assemblies for the children of Hampton Bays Elementary School. He called these lessons "friendship adventures," and talked about topics such as staying healthy and active, teamwork, and bullying.

Highlights of the assemblies included several interactive elements where the kids were encouraged to participate with Ronald in a series of games and activities. They included a "Go Active" segment where the children made train sounds, a collaborative endeavor where they acted like a symphony orchestra and a game of "Where's the Bully?"