By Eileen Jevis, Staff writer
Sun photos l Chuck Wainwright
Students, staff and volunteers at Blessed Sacrament School in Syracuse celebrate Thanksgiving by giving back to others. Each year the students in grades pre-K through 6 help make over 200 pumpkin pies for the Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.
The tradition started 25 years ago, when then teacher Lisa Coppola, who is now principal, learned about the Rescue Mission’s need for dessert. Knowing the purpose of the Rescue Mission to provide and care for the community, Coppola thought baking and donating pies to the organization was a wonderful way to combine their faith and service to the community while instilling in the students a sense of gratitude.
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia brought along a ‘feathered friend’ to meet the young bakers.
“As a Catholic School, our mission is to educate the whole child — spiritually, intellectually and socially,” Coppola said. “This project aligns perfectly with our mission as it provides students with an opportunity to learn about compassion, gratitude and the importance of helping those in need.”
Coppola and the faculty discuss with the students the challenges faced by those who experience homelessness and poverty. They emphasize the importance of sharing their blessings with others, especially during the holiday season. “By participating in this project, students gain a deeper understanding of their role in making a positive impact on their community,” she said.
Fifth-grade student Derrick Osvoldik learned the lesson well. He said he’s happy to participate each year. “It makes me feel excited because I get to help other people by making pumpkin pies,” he said. Osvoldik said he’s grateful for his family, house, food and his bed, and wants to remind people to give to others. “You shouldn’t take the stuff you have for granted,” he said. “There are people who don’t have things that could really use them. If you have anything you don’t need, you should donate it to help other people.”
Fifth-grade teacher Hannah Heppeler is a proud alumnus of Blessed Sacrament. She fondly remembers making pies when she was a student. She explained the process which begins at 8:30 a.m. on the scheduled day. Each grade level is allotted a time to go to the cafeteria to start making pies. The fifth- and sixth-grade students help the younger students move through the process. Each student receives a mixing bowl and goes to the “ingredient stations,” adding pumpkin, sugar, eggs and other essentials along the way. “You can see how excited the students are as they move from station to station, knowing they are creating something for those in need,” Heppeler said.
“The kids absolutely love this project,” Coppola added. “They enjoy the process and the sense of accomplishment. It’s become a cherished tradition at our school.”
Antonella Marshall, a fourth-grade student, said it’s a fun experience.
“There are people out there who are hungry and we get to send them good food during the holidays,” she said. “We want to help give them what they need to live; to stay healthy and in good condition. It’s going to be a happy moment for them to have a Thanksgiving dinner.”
