Panas Students Continue Long Standing Thanksgiving Tradition

Giving of their time and presence, members of the Inter-Ethnic/United Nations Club at Walter Panas High School continued a longstanding tradition of helping make a wonderful Thanksgiving for those in need in the Peekskill area.

For the 20th year, students from the club joined with other volunteer to set up and then serve Thanksgiving Dinner at the United Methodist Church in Peekskill along with the P.A.P.A organization and the Salvation Army. A group of students were on hand Wednesday to set up the room to feed 300 people and others then participated in the Thanksgiving Day tradition of serving the meal.

“We fed more than 280 in house and delivered 60+ home bounds, said Janet O’Toole, advisor for the club. “Many lives have been changed because of the involvement with this cause. Students have gone on to participate in humanitarian causes all over the world. They most always attribute it this simple act of kindness in their early youth,” added O’Toole.

Several student helped in both the set up and serving including Janna Frattellone, Sophia Solloway. Sana Parija, and alumni Jailene Ortiz. Additional students involved included: Sienna Campbell, Ashley Buonanno, Brigid Muller, Cassandra Tan, and Jocelyn Peryea. Additional club alumni participated including Shelby Trejos and Erin McDonald. Joining Mrs. O’Toole was Roy Volpe, the head of food coordination between Salvation Army and the (Peekskill Area Pastors Association) and helps run the staff of more than 13 people in the kitchen.

The club president is Sophia Soloway and vice president is Janna Frattellone.