HAMPTON — Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa is pleased to announce that the Hampton School District organized Thanksgiving meal baskets for families in need for the second year in a row.
About 31 families, representing approximately 60 students, stopped by the Hampton Community Coalition on High Street for curbside pickup of a Thanksgiving meal basket on Monday.
Several area businesses and organizations donated food and other items for the baskets, including The Old Salt Restaurant, Hampton Youth Academy and Teacher Jeans Fund. Students at Hampton Academy could donate canned and non-perishable items in homeroom.
“It is so great to see our community come together to support a great cause, and I thank everyone who made this food drive such a success,” said Superintendent Costa. “Holidays can be especially difficult for those in need, so everyone involved should be proud of making this Thanksgiving special for so many families.”
Baskets feature items, including boxed mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and other canned goods, as well as a gift card to Hannaford,
Last year, the initiative was planned and coordinated by Social Worker Emily Fixler, but this year she had help from Spanish Teacher Christina Coffill and members of Helping Hampton Student Committee, who prepared and packaged the baskets.
“It was our goal for all families in the district to have access to a good meal this Thanksgiving,” said Fixler. “We want families in the district to know that we are here for them in times of need, not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year.”
Fixler works with students and families throughout the district, and has helped many of them navigate the challenges of COVID-19 including financial difficulties, childcare needs, stress and anxiety, technology support, food access, and so on.
Helping Hampton Student Committee is a student-run organization advised by Coffill that aims to find ways to volunteer and assist the community throughout the year.
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