Giving back doesn’t get any more fun than the joyful annual Turkey Trot at Connetquot Elementary School, held on Nov. 18. In the days leading up to the event, students learned about the meaning of Thanksgiving through books, activities and classroom discussions before creating their own Thanksgiving-themed crafts.

On the day of the Turkey Trot, students wore their handmade creations as they “trotted” around the building. When they reached the main lobby, manned by Principal Nicholas Bilotti, each student placed canned or boxed goods into collection bins, reinforcing the school’s commitment to giving back to the community.

This year, Connetquot partnered with the Branches of Long Island nonprofit organization, which will distribute the donated food to area families in need.