Wantagh students nourish the heart with Thanksgiving letters
This Thanksgiving, Wantagh Middle School students will be bringing joy to Long Islanders they’ve never met through a letter-writing project. Librarian Amelia Weber spearheaded the initiative to have students write heartfelt letters that will accompany meals delivered to homebound residents.
The Thanksgiving meal delivery is an initiative spearheaded by Ms. Weber’s parents for the past 30 years. Homecooked meals are brought to people in need, including disabled and elderly residents. Each food package is accompanied by several letters from children, who share a little bit of information about themselves and what they are learning in school, while also extending warm wishes for Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
Several Wantagh Middle School teachers have volunteered to have their students write letters. Ms. Weber also welcomes students into the library during lunch periods to pen a message. She expects to have more than 300 letters by the middle of November.
Eighth grade teacher Kristin Fragola’s students took part in the project, and she said they were very enthusiastic about the chance to give back to the community. Tommy Tsempelis said that Thanksgiving is a time to be happy so he wished his letter recipient an enjoyable and healthy holiday. Chloe Kuhn felt grateful to have a way to spread kindness.
“It makes me really happy that I get to spread cheer to other people,” added eighth grader Emily Tepper. “It’s very important because maybe some people are less fortunate around the holiday, and this might make them feel love on the inside.”
Ms. Weber said that many people who receive the Thanksgiving meals every year most look forward to reading the letters from students. She noted that Wantagh is one of three Nassau County districts participating in the letter-writing initiative this year.
“Because of the students, hundreds of people on Thanksgiving will have beautiful letters to read,” she said. “It’s something to brighten their day and to let them know they’re not truly alone.”
Photo captions:
1: Wantagh Middle School eighth grader teacher Kristin Fraglola, right, had her students take part in a letter-writing project to pen messages that will accompany Thanksgiving meals to homebound residents on Long Island.
2: Hunter Arredondo, left, and Mohitpreet Singh shared a little information about themselves in their letters.
3: Ava Vitucci, left, and Sophia McManamon colored Thanksgiving images at the top of their letters.
4: Antonio Manessis worked on a heartfelt message.
Photos courtesy of the Wantagh School District
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