Key Club students and Kiwanis volunteers set up tables and food stations to create the Thanksgiving baskets, which will be delivered by volunteers to families in need, seniors, shut-ins and area shelters. The effort is spearheaded by the culinary arts program. Exceptional learners classes also played an active role. The event has been a tradition for over twenty years. What started as a small effort has grown to meet local demand.
This year, several retirees returned to pitch in. Students were excited to have Bruce Hoffmann and Maureen Clancy orchestrate the effort.
“We are happy to provide services to people who need it, said Maureen Clancy, a Kiwanis club member and a retired culinary arts instructor from WSWHE BOCES.
The Kiwanis club provided all the food needed to prepare a healthy Thanksgiving meal for 6 people. They worked with local businesses to source the items, many of which were donations. Culinary arts students prepared fresh squash and baked rolls as part of their curriculum.
Chef Celeste David said, “our program has had a long tradition of supporting the community through this effort. Helping address food insecurity is an important issue for our students since they are training to work in the hospitality industry.”
“I like that I get hands-on experience for when I go to college for culinary. Last year was amazing. I like the fact that we can donate our time,” said Ballston Spa High School Senior Joanna Cussing.
CTE is happy to support community service projects as it helps students to understand the importance of giving back to their community.
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