Hampton Bays Students Collect Food for Needy

In the spirit of thanksgiving, students from Hampton Bays Elementary School participated in the school's annual Turkey Box food drive and competition.

According to the school district, for three weeks, each class at the elementary school collected and donated non-perishable food items for community members in need.

The students, the school district said brought in a variety of goods, including pasta, canned goods, cake mixes and cereal, as well as traditional holiday fare such as stuffing and chicken broth.

Once collected, the food was boxed into "turkey boxes" by girls from Girl Scout Troop No. 468 and then donated to 15 local families in need.

As part of the annual tradition, the boxes were entered into a friendly competition, with the entry of Kristie Loper's first-grade class judged as most creative.

The winning box, dubbed the "Turkey Bowl," was made to look like a football stadium and even had a false bottom "food court" where the donations were to be stored.

"These kids just knock it out of the park every time," said Elementary School Assistant Principal Richard Triandafils. "They do a great job!"