Nanuet 2nd Graders Create Thanksgiving Placemats for Meals on Wheels

Thanksgiving is coming up and over at Miller Elementary, the second graders are getting into the spirit of giving back.

“The PTA came up with this great idea for the students to make placemats for Meals on Wheels,” said Teacher Mindy Sklar. “I’ve been teaching this age group for a while and at this age, they’re very empathetic. When I explained what Meals on Wheels was, they thought of their own grandparents and were happy to do this.”

“We’re making placemats for older people who can’t go shopping or don’t have a car,” said Student Ryan Diercksen. “We’re trying to make them happy for Thanksgiving.”

“A friend of mine lives in the school district … and she did something similar to this for a soup kitchen she’s involved for, so I thought this would be a great idea to do this with the placemats. I was trying to think of a local charity that would bring the most value and Meals on Wheels just came into mind,” said Sheila O’Brien, a PTA mom who came up with the initial idea. “This is a great lesson. Sometimes it’s hard to think out beyond your world when you’re a child.”

The students each received a piece of construction paper and used stamps and markers to decorate the placemats with Thanksgiving pictures and words.

“We’re making (placemats) these things that will help older people. They don’t have shopping money and (Meals on Wheels) can bring them some food,” said Student Tara Kenneally. “These (placemats) things are so they can put the food on them.”

“I’m happy because it’s about caring for other people,” said Amara Betamcourt. “One time I helped a lady across the street. She was older and I helped put her groceries on the stairs.”

Cathy Henry and O’Brien were two PTA moms on hand to assist Sklar with the project on Thursday.

“When I called them (Meals on Wheels), they were very excited and supportive. I went to Annemarie Bubb (Elementary PTA president) and the rest of the PTA  to see if we could do this project with the entire second grade.  One class, that’s just 15-20 kids, but the entire second grade, that’s a lot of placemats. The impact is great. Annemarie said, ‘Go for it,” said O’Brien. She added that the second-grade classes are making these placemats Thursday, Friday and Monday.

“This is the first year we’re doing this,” said Miller Principal Betsy Smith. “It’s a great way to teach the students on helping others in need. Thanksgiving is all about giving back and this way we can give right back to the community we live in.”