SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT -- Some students dressed up as pilgrims while teachers wore their turkey hats to help celebrate Thanksgiving during a program at Donald E. Schick Elementary School near Montoursville.
Students had fun doing the turkey dance, but the school also took time to show cans and boxes of donated food to volunteers from St. Anthony’s Center, a food bank in Williamsport.
“It is a lot. It's a lot. it's wonderful. It's absolutely wonderful," said Barbara Deitrick.
In just one week students collected more than 1,500 cans and boxes of food. It is part of the school's first ever "Canstruction food drive" that will help families throughout the holiday season.
"On the weekend, my mom went and bought some cans for us to bring in. So I brought in at least 15 cans," said fifth grader Stephen Muniz.
"Yeah, I think it really helped out. Our whole school did a really great job collecting," said Emma Rude.
Students didn't just collect cans. The school made the project a little more fun and had them "canstruct" a giant turkey from the donations.
"We talked with them about where the food was going. It was awesome to see them and to understand that everyone doesn't have it as good as we do," said Jessica McCoy.
Fifth grade teacher Jessica McCoy helped the students build the turkey and piece of pie. She hopes her students realize Thanksgiving isn't just about the turkey.
“It's also about giving. You know, giving to those less fortunate than we, than us,” said Jessica McCoy.
Students from Loyalsock’s Middle and High School will help box up donations and bring them to St. Anthony’s in Williamsport next week where they will be distributed during the holidays.
