COURT HOUSE – It was a Thanksgiving feast of Pilgrim proportions when over 150 people came to Middle Township High School for an evening of fall fun. The event brought together members of the school’s Interact, Key and Red Cross clubs and families from Caring for Kids.
The teenaged students played host to 105 participating family members from the organization that helps educate parents to make positive choices as they raise their families.
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and other holiday delicacies abounded as parents, toddlers and teens filled up their plates.
“It’s good to think about other people and not think about yourself,” said Interact Club member Maddie Anagnou, as she helped serve apple juice.
With most people struggling in a difficult economy, those who are hard-pressed throughout the year feel the strain of financial difficulty even more during the holidays. A chance to eat out is a welcome treat for some families.
“I think it’s hard regardless of the economy,” said freshman Annabelle Gartner. “Being a parent is a lot of hard work.”
According to Interact Club co-advisor Jon Decker, plans for the evening began last spring when he was contact by a representative of Caring for Kids.
Decker said over the course of the summer he contacted Susan Toohey, advisor for the school’s Key Club to see if the club would be interested in helping out. Also joining in the effort were members of the Red Cross Club.
“I said we have this really good project but I think we need more clubs involved. I had this vision of our clubs doing more in cooperation with each other so we could do bigger things for our community,” Decker explained.
Bringing the event to the school was twofold. Caring for Kids families enjoyed a night out and high school students learned the importance of community involvement.
“Our guests get a sense of community. They see that Middle Township is a wonderful place for them to be,” said Decker. “They get to see the kind of kids their kids can grow up to be.”
The opportunity to participate in a community Thanksgiving offered the high school hosts a sense of community, too.
“They get to learn that helping and doing for others has its own rewards,” said Decker.
“I think it’s wonderful how these teenagers want to be involved with the little kids,” said Jo Hackett, Caring for Kids Executive Director. “When you looked out, it was like one big extended family. All the kids were smiling.”
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