Helping Hands Volunteers Ready Thanksgiving Baskets

It takes a few minutes for the old ceiling lights in  auxiliary gym to warm up.

But once on, they shine a light on what happens when a community comes together — tables lined with Thanksgiving food baskets prepared early Monday morning by Helping Hands for Hunger volunteers. 

"Every basket is packed in exactly the same way," said Principal Alexander George. "That's a major Helping Hands initiative. They want every basket to look the same. It really is pretty amazing."

About 60 volunteers worked in two shifts for an hour and a half to pack supplies for about 200 local families in need.  

The baskets, which will be distributed on Tuesday afternoon, contain everything necessary for a Thanksgiving dinner. A turkey, potatoes, onions, eggs, canned and fresh fruits and vegetables and other trimmings are all included.

Students and staff from MTHS — including the Peer Leadership group—, , community volunteers and members of Manchester's Municipal Alliance all pitched in for the fourth Helping Hands drive in the school district. 

The Peer Leadership group’s faculty advisor, Sarah Thiffault, and how this drive celebrates the true spirit of Thanksgiving by providing assistance to the less fortunate.

"These are extraordinary young people who will provide Thanksgiving to people in our community," Thiffault said. “This is our future, and it’s looking very bright with these students.”

Thiffault’s students and members of the Peer Leadership group were  too happy to donate their time to a worthy cause.

"We’re able to help other families and give back," said senior student Amanda Start.

George, who said that his students oversaw all aspects of the drive — including shopping for goods — offered praise for the many students and the community for coming together. 

"It's amazing to see the middle school kids and members of the senior community and local business come together," he said. 

For George, seeing the expressions on the faces of the families when they receive their baskets is something that sticks with him. It's also an experience that students can share.

"The gratitude during of the people during the pick up — it's an amazing thing to be a part of," he said.

With additional reporting by Nicholas Malfitano.