SCRANTON — The annual John Adams Harvest Fest gave the elementary school’s community a chance to remember why they’re thankful.
It also offered students a chance to eat dinner with their friends and parents the opportunity to socialize with other families from different backgrounds, said Tim Schwartz, school PTA president.
Schwartz joined a group of volunteers tonight who placed turkey on trays next to a scoop of mashed potatoes smothered with gravy, cranberry sauce and corn in the gym of the Scranton School District elementary school on Capouse Avenue. Around 100 family members sat together around long tables for the school’s third Thanksgiving feast as Christmas music played in the background.
“Eating dinner with friends, it’s a beautiful thing,” said Schwartz.
The traditional holiday meal and desserts were donated and served by volunteers, including students from West Scranton Intermediate School and Scranton High School and principal Mario Emiliani’s family.
“It’s a time to sit down and enjoy each other’s company,” said Emiliani.
While the meal was free for families, Emiliani asked that they bring a nonperishable donation for United Neighborhood Center’s Angel’s Attic. He said they wanted to encourage the students to give back to their community.
The Ponces, including John Adams fourth grader Mia Ponce and first grader Miyah Ortiz, chowed down with their family and friends Monday.
Mia said the meal was good. Miyah enjoys “being with your family” around the holiday.
“We wanted to share the joy of Thanksgiving,” said George Ponce.
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