Seven local families were able to have a happy Thanksgiving thanks to members of West New York’s Memorial High School Student Council and Key Club.
The students began collecting items for food baskets for needy West New York families on Nov. 7. Last week, members of the Key Club stayed after school to fill the baskets and get them ready to deliver. Members of both groups delivered the baskets to seven families on Tuesday.
"I feel happy for the families," said freshman Key Club member Rocio Hernandez. "This is going to brighten their day."
The Student Council also organized a fundraiser by placing cans throughout the school. The money was used to include $30 Pathmark gift certificates in the baskets. Some of the money also went to purchasing the baskets themselves.
"We are adding the extra $30 so the families can buy whatever they need for their families," said Jose Prudencio, Key Club president. "It is wonderful that we can help these families, especially during the holidays."
According to Key Club advisor and guidance counselor Stacey Swenson, the school has been holding this food drive for more than 10 years.
Swenson said that each year, the school’s guidance counselors locate needy families within the town for the drive.
Filling the baskets
The baskets included items like cereals, vegetables and desserts. Before wrapping the baskets in cellophane, the members tried to stuff the remaining paper plates and napkins into the already overflowing baskets.
While each basket included different items, all were put together with extra care.
Twin sisters, Heidy and Hazel Fernandez, both juniors, were extra careful to compile the perfect meal. "Whatever fits, we are trying to put in the basket," said Heidy Fernandez.
"We know that even a little bit helps," said Hazel.
The students collected everything from canned potatoes and vegetables, to pie crust, cake mix and Girl Scout cookies.
"We didn’t collect as many items this time," said Swenson. "But then at the last minute we received a lot more. Now they are overflowing."