MANCHESTER – Thanksgiving 2025 is in the history books, but the memories will last forever thanks to the many ‘Helping Hands’ who made the holiday better this year.
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, officials said the spirit of service was stronger than ever.
More than 100 student and staff volunteers from every district school came together at Manchester Township High School to pack Thanksgiving meal bags as part of the annual student-driven program.
Originally aiming to support 125 families, students and staff ultimately prepared meals for 145 Manchester families ahead of the holiday.
“What you’re doing here today is an act of service. It reflects how Manchester students and staff think of others before themselves,” Superintendent Diane Pedroza said.
She noted, “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.”
Guided by high school Vice Principal Joseph Serratelli (who is now known 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 were delivered confidentially to families a week before Thanksgiving.
School District officials noted that this year’s 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 extended heartfelt thanks to supporters such as: ShopRite of Manchester, Maximum Quality Foods, Carmona-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, and Building on the Rock Community Church.
