BMCHS Students Feed 100 Families On Thanksgiving

MERRICK, NY - From Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District: To expand the mission of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Community Cupboard, they paired with the community to fill Thanksgiving baskets for the local families who utilize the food pantry.

“With the One Voice, One Message theme, we realized that we wanted to centralize the effort,” said Catrina Christensen, coordinator of the district’s after-school Twilight Program and Community Cupboard organizer. “There was a greater need this year than in years past. All of the students came together and we were able
to help create Thanksgiving baskets and bags for approximately 100 families. We were fortunate to have all the schools collect goods for the baskets in such a short time.”

Everyone pitched in for a district-wide effort. Custodians retrieved goods from each school and delivered them to the central administration building. An assembly line commenced on Nov. 20, with students making baskets and bags.

Additionally, the students from Mepham’s Leo Club and MAP’s Key Club baked approximately 100 pumpkin pies.

“We received many generous donations, including one individual that gave us enough to provide every family with a gift certificate to purchase a turkey and another that gave actual turkeys,” said Meadowbrook Alternative Program nurse and Community Cupboard organizer Darlene Boden.

On Nov. 21, local families picked up the baskets. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bollettieri and MAP Principal Susan Ellinghaus volunteered to assist with the distribution.

“I cannot believe how blessed I am to work in a district such as ours,” said Ellinghaus. “We do not give lip service. In Bellmore-Merrick we truly walk the walk. We take care of our own.”

Photo courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District