Port Washington is a town that gives back in so many ways. One of the busiest times of giving is typically around Thanksgiving when an “attitude of gratitude” is emphasized throughout our community.
At the L’Dor V’Dor Early Childhood Center in Sands Point, the preschool children and their families are dedicated to thinking more globally about helping those in need in our community, not only during Thanksgiving but all winter long.
On Monday, Dec. 4, with the help of parent volunteer, Sloane Ackerman, an entire carload of much-needed food supplies was delivered to Our Lady of Fatima food pantry in Manorhaven.
On this “Donation Day,” ECC students were so proud of their hard work and were in awe of how much they had actually collected. “I have tried to instill the values of gratitude and giving in my children since they were born. I feel lucky to send my children to a school that provides opportunities to reinforce these lessons. The food drive allowed my very young son, Jack, to help me choose some of his favorite foods to donate to those in need, “ shared Ackerman.
Beginning Nov. 1, the preschool students at the ECC, ages 18 months to 5 years, began collecting canned goods and shelf-stable food items for donation.
The Community Synagogue preschool chose to tie this particular food collection to more than just Thanksgiving.
In speaking with Sister Kathy Somerville at Our Lady of Fatima in Manorhaven, she shared that their food pantry is at its lowest in winter months when people in our community are in greatest need.
“Helping to stock the food pantry at this time of the year feels significant, especially when it’s tied to Thanksgiving,” said assistant director, Liad Zayit. T
he Community Synagogue has strong ties to the Port Washington community and has partnered with Our Lady of Fatima in many ways over the years. Given the church’s proximity to the Early Childhood Center, the school directors felt it was especially important to give back to community members in their own backyard.
An important tenet of Jewish education is the concept of tikkun olam. Tikkun olam is the idea that we, as a community, can help to repair the world through our actions. Furthermore, it is considered a mitzvah or “commandment,” to perform good deeds, such as donating food to help those less fortunate.
“In our school, we are teaching our littlest learners about how we perform these conscious acts of empathy and kindness to support individuals in our community,” said director Jen Schiffer.
The food pantry at Our Lady of Fatima is an important part of the Port Washington community, and the children of the ECC, and their families, are proud parents in caring. The delivery on Monday helped to restock the panty after Thanksgiving, and will now help ensure that the pantry is stocked for the winter months to come.
Watching the boxes being loaded in the car helped the students at the ECC to better understand the idea of giving back. The volunteers at the food pantry were grateful to receive such a large delivery from neighbors and friends.
