In the spirit of the holidays, Islip High School students, faculty and staff came together to support families in the community who are in need. The National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Athletes Helping Athletes and Interact Club held a holiday drive and assembled baskets that will help families through the extended holiday season.

In addition to filling the festively-decorated baskets with nonperishable items and items for a complete Thanksgiving meal, staff and faculty also donated gift cards to local supermarkets, department stores, gas stations and pharmacies. This way, families receiving the baskets will be able to purchase a turkey and supplement additional holiday purchases during the entire holiday season.

Social worker Shari Pennington said, “It is important to let the community know that the entire school community came together to help Islip families. Everyone stepped up to help make the holidays special for those who found holiday challenges this year.”

Ms. Pennington said that nine Islip families will receive baskets this Thanksgiving.