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The meaning of ‘giving thanks’ viewed at MDS

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The Early Childhood Department at Manhattan Day School has been exploring concepts of “thanks” and “giving” as the celebration of Thanksgiving approaches. The Upper West Side school’s annual giving project collected over 1,000 pounds of food, much of which was given to the kosher division of City Harvest.

“It was important to teachers and faculty that the children know the ‘end game’ of their efforts and how the donated food benefits families in need,” said Early Childhood Director Aviva Yablok.”

As the donations poured in, Rebecca Glass of City Harvest spoke to the students and about the program. She asked students what they had for lunch and what they would do if someone sitting near them had no lunch to eat. Their answers were spot on. “We would give them food. We would help,” they said.

Glass pulled a miniature City Harvest truck out of her bag and demonstrated how the truck goes to the pick-up sites and collects the food to bring to the “food pantry.” The food is set up on shelves much like a supermarket. The difference is, in this supermarket, the shoppers don’t have to pay and the food is kosher.

Glass also distributed paper plates on which the children wrote messages of love and thanks to those in need.