For 17 years, Manchester Township High School’s Helping Hands for Hunger initiative has provided confidential Thanksgiving meals to Manchester Township School District families in need. This year, the spirit of service was stronger than ever. Over one hundred student and staff volunteers from every school across the district came together at Manchester Township High School today to pack Thanksgiving meal bags as part of the annual student-driven Helping Hands for Hunger initiative.
Originally aiming to support 125 families, students and staff worked so efficiently and generously that they exceeded their goal, ultimately preparing meals for 145 Manchester families ahead of the holiday.
Helping Hands for Hunger remains a powerful example of Manchester's school community leading the way in service. Guided by MTHS Vice Principal Joseph Serratelli (Known today as "Turkey Hat Joe!"), the initiative continues to be a district-wide effort built on compassion, teamwork, and community pride. Students and staff members from each school donated non-perishable items, helped organize materials, and packed meal bags that will be delivered confidentially to families this week before Thanksgiving.
This year’s tremendous success was made possible not only by student leadership but also by the generosity of staff, families, and numerous local businesses and organizations. Manchester Township Schools extend heartfelt thanks to supporters such as:
ShopRite of Manchester
Maximum Quality Foods
Camona Bolen Home for Funerals
Oliverie Funeral Home
Lakehurst Manchester Rotary Charitable Foundation
Degraff Lakehurst Funeral Home
Manchester Township Democratic Club
Board of Education Staff
DKG Omicron Chapter / Women in Education
Phyllis Zarko
Burger 25
Jody Weber
Robin Roscoe
Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services Inc.
Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home
African American Club
Pies On 37
Redeemer Lutheran Church
William Hagan Group EXP Realty
Building on the Rock Community Church, and more!
Their contributions, including turkeys, produce, gift cards, and other essential items, ensured that families throughout Manchester will enjoy a complete and joyful Thanksgiving meal.
At the beginning of the event, the Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Diane Pedroza, addressed the students and staff with gratitude and pride. "What you're doing here today is an act of service. It reflects how Manchester students and staff think of others before themselves," says Mrs. Pedroza. "When you sit at your table this year for Thanksgiving, please be especially grateful for those who did not have this meal to share, but now do, because of the impact of your fundraising efforts. You are truly living our district motto: Excellence by Example."
Helping Hands for Hunger continues to showcase what makes Manchester so special, a district where students lead with kindness, families support one another, and the community comes together to ensure no one is left behind during the holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!