Thanksgiving Feast for Friends at Stony Lane Helps Those in Need

The Thanksgiving Feast for Friends, a tradition at Stony Lane School in Paramus, has been celebrated for over 15 years. The entire school collected items to prepare Thanksgiving meals for families who were unable to purchase these items for themselves. On the morning of the feast, all students helped make the meal baskets in the school library. The baskets were then brought to the feast and were presented to the charities who distributed them to families in need.

In addition, students brought money in for the "Giving Gobbler" -- they got to fill out a turkey feather each time they donated. By the end of the collection drive, it became a colorful feathered turkey. The money was used to purchase gift cards to ShopRite and Stop & Shop. These gift cards were donated to The Paramus Friendly Neighbor Fund which helps homeless families and families that are living on the edge of homelessness in Paramus.

The food pantry also benefitted from the school's collection drive:

Kindergarten -- baby products
First grade -- cleaning products
Second grade -- paper products
Third grade -- hygiene products
Fourth grade -- non-perishable foods.

On the day of the feast, Stony Lane gathered for speeches, songs and the presentation of gifts. The entire school enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast as a community with other invited guests.