Students throughout the Long Beach Public Schools held donation drives that helped those struggling during the holiday season to enjoy a warm and plentiful Thanksgiving. The elementary schools provided food and gift baskets to local families courtesy of students who participate in Cub Scouts, while the middle school’s Multicultural Club contributed food to St. Mary of the Isle’s Thanksgiving outreach initiative that fed more than 400 families.

A total of 40 Cub Scouts representing East, Lido, Lindell and West schools filled baskets with food items, grocery store gift cards and more, as did 11 from Long Beach Catholic Regional School. They assembled with their principals and troop leaders for the presentation of the baskets. The collaboration was organized with the objective of ensuring a happy, healthy holiday for all.

The middle school students filled two six-foot tables with canned vegetables, stuffing, dried mashed potatoes, dessert mixes and other components of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Multicultural Club members sorted the items into boxes for distribution.

Long Beach students and staff members are currently in the process of collecting donations around the December holidays. Middle school staff members are purchasing coats, clothing and necessities for students in need and will provide holiday gift packages for more than twenty families, while other buildings are making a difference in similar ways.