Neighbor News
BTSD Partners with Community to Give Thanks and Give Back
Roughly 100 Thanksgiving meals were given out to Barnegat families thanks to donations
Barnegat Township, NJ – Barnegat Township School District (BTSD) teachers, staff and administrators actively strive to show students the importance of giving back to the surrounding community. “One Barnegat” is an ideology that extends further than just the classroom and is supported by those who regularly participate in outreach programs and other community-oriented causes guided by the district. These efforts are especially important during the holiday season.
Ahead of Thanksgiving, BTSD, alongside other community partners began collecting items to create traditional Thanksgiving meals and extended weekend meal baskets for families in need. These donations and collaborations provided almost 100 families with meals on Thanksgiving. Some groups donated food directly while others raised funds and gave gift cards to support BTSD’s mission.
Stephanie Clarington of Keller Williams Preferred Properties helped provide 22 meals, including gift cards for a turkey and full trimmings. Bruno Iamonte and the Mirage Men's Club donated a meal basket personally to a family in need. Working in tandem with BTSD, Bayside Chapel helped provide close to 67 families with meals.
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“These outreach programs embody the true meaning of ‘One Barnegat,’” said BTSD Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis. “Our students not only receive a quality education, but they also leave with a sense of responsibility for their peers and community. The best way to instill these morals and values is by example. Our educators here do just that.”
Meal baskets provided by the combined efforts of the Friendly Sons of Shillelagh, Patriot Financial Group, Horbelt Student Government, and the BTSD Transportation Department had enough food to not only make up a full thanksgiving dinner, but there were enough meals for the coming days for eight Barnegat families. These baskets were delivered right to the families by the BTSD Transportation Department.
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“There was enough food for breakfast, lunch and dinner following the holiday,” said BTSD DFC Coordinator/K-8 SAC Michele Cucinotta. “It was amazing to see the abundance of items that went to these families. They were truly grateful, and we are too. Coming together to support others in a time of need shows just how generous our district and community truly is.”
To learn more or find out how to get involved, visit barnegatschools.com.
