This fall, two East Islip STEAM teachers – JFK’s Jodie Macher and RCK’s Carol Wilson – organized the second annual pumpkin creation project for their third grade students. The project, which benefits Mercy Haven Food Pantry, was done in partnership with the students and their families at home.

“This was a great way for families to spend time together and share in their creativity,” Wilsons said. “Since this was the second year of the project, the students were very excited for their chance to participate and raise money for pantry. Students and staff schoolwide were asked to bring in loose change from home to use to vote for the most creative, colorful and spookiest pumpkin,” Macher said. “The students were very excited to successfully surpass the amount of money that was raised last year.”

The two schools, combined, raised over $2,717 to support the community.