Teens Go Can-Crazy in Fighting Hunger Locally

RIVERHEAD, NY — A group of teens got creative when it came to finding a way to fight hunger on Long Island.

The young people, members of Temple Israel of Riverhead, worked with architect Harley P. Abrams, A.I.A. and parent liaison Caroline Fierro, M.D., to create a “canstruction” of a giant art structure of a Jewish menorah, according to a release.

The kids won two awards for their work to help feed the hungry; CANstruction Long Island is a competition to fight hunger locally.

The teens raised $3,000 to buy the canned food to build the structure for the competition; the cans will ultimately be donated to Long Island Cares – Harry Chapin Food Bank, for distribution in the community.

Temple Israel of Riverhead's “canstruction” team was given two awards in the "Student Awards"
category by the panel of jurors, including Most CANtastic (Best Meal), and Most Cans Used.

The teen's structure contributed 4,000 cans of food. In total, five student groups and eight
professional groups that participated in the event.

A total of 51,000 cans will be donated as a result of all the entrants' creations.

The structure, plus others “canstructed” by teams from across Long Island will be on display for
public, with the public voting on a "People's Choice Award" through November 13 from 8 a.m. to 6 pm. at
RXR Plaza, 625 RXR Plaza, Uniondale.

Anyone visiting the display with a contribution of at least one can of food can vote for the structure they like the most for the "People's Choice Award" in both the student and professional categories. With the additional donated cans, Canstruction Long Island hopes to donate more than they ever have: more than 54,000 cans of food, the release said.

Patch courtesy photo.