Hampton Bays Elementary School students started celebrating Thanksgiving early this year by participating in a “Turkey Box” food drive. Each class at the elementary school collected non-perishable food items that they put in boxes decorated for Thanksgiving. The boxes were donated to local families in need on Monday, November 21.

The students began gathering the food and designing their “Turkey Boxes” in early November. On Friday, November 18, the boxes were judged by Elementary School Vice Principal Richard Triandafils, who determined that Mr. DellaSparanza’s second-grade class earned top honors with a cornucopia box made with real straw. Mr. D. had been substitute teaching for Ms. Stahlhut, who has since returned from maternity leave. Second-place honors went to Ms. Poremba’s first-grade class for a box featuring a three-dimensional cartoon turkey, complete with feathers. Tied for third place were Ms. Eaton’s and Ms. Foster’s kindergarten classes, both of which made boxes representing the Pilgrims.  

“These boxes are very ingenuous,” Mr. Triandafils said as he surveyed the competition on Friday. “I love all the energy and effort put into this. It really speaks to the holiday season.”

The project was sponsored by the Hampton Bays PTA, according to Vice President Kim Grimes, who noted that each needy family will also receive a turkey for the holiday.

PTA member Natalie Robinson said that the “Turkey Box” food drive is a great way to teach young children about community service.

“This shows them that they can help people in need. It’s a good lesson for our kids,” she said.