Students across Sanford came together this Thanksgiving in a district-wide effort that put complete dinners on the tables of dozens of local families. Through spirited competitions, generous community partnerships, and welcoming gatherings, the initiative exemplified the compassion and generosity that define Sanford. At Sanford High School, the Peer Helpers program's annual food drive provided complete Thanksgiving dinners for 50 families — feeding more than 250 people in the Sanford community. The effort was fueled by a friendly competition among the classes, with each grade assigned specific items to collect. Freshmen brought instant potatoes, sophomores contributed turkey gravy and cranberry sauce, juniors gathered canned vegetables, and seniors provided stuffing. Collection bins at the bottom of the Grey Wing steadily filled as students rallied to support their neighbors. "My favorite thing about this program is seeing the appreciation on students' and families' faces, as well as getting the entire school involved in doing a good thing," said Mrs. Letourneau, school counseling director and Peer Helpers organizer. But the students didn't do it alone. Marc Motors donated $1,000 to help provide Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings for families in need. The Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce continued its multi-year tradition of support by raising $650 from its members to purchase 50 turkeys — one for each family receiving a food box. Hannaford Supermarkets coordinated the turkey pick-up and delivery, bringing all the pieces together for complete holiday meals. At Sanford Middle School, students participated in the annual Holiday Food Drive Competition, organized by the school's Jobs For Maine Graduates (JMG) Program and coordinated by JMG Specialist Tara Houle. The spirited competition, which launched Nov. 4, pitted homerooms against each other for coveted turkey crowns and the glory of becoming champions. The food collected served a dual purpose: providing Thanksgiving meals for Sanford families and stocking the SMS Food Closet, which provides students with easy-to-prepare meals for evenings, weekends, and school breaks throughout the year. The pantry remains accessible to all SMS students and families as a vital community resource. Margaret Chase Smith Elementary took a different approach to the season of giving, hosting "The Heart of Sanford Community Dinner" on November 25 in the school cafeteria. The event welcomed families with children enrolled in Sanford Schools for an evening of good food, laughter, and local hospitality. Across the district, the efforts of students, staff, and community partners ensured that Sanford families could gather around tables filled with Thanksgiving meals. From the student-led competitions to local business support and welcoming community dinners, these initiatives demonstrated that when neighbors need neighbors most, Sanford answers the call.

Sanford Schools Unite to Feed Families This Thanksgiving

Sanford School Department

November 26, 2025

Students across Sanford came together this Thanksgiving in a district-wide effort that put complete dinners on the tables of dozens of local families. Through spirited competitions, generous community partnerships, and welcoming gatherings, the initiative exemplified the compassion and generosity that define Sanford.

At Sanford High School, the Peer Helpers program's annual food drive provided complete Thanksgiving dinners for 50 families — feeding more than 250 people in the Sanford community. The effort was fueled by a friendly competition among the classes, with each grade assigned specific items to collect. Freshmen brought instant potatoes, sophomores contributed turkey gravy and cranberry sauce, juniors gathered canned vegetables, and seniors provided stuffing. Collection bins at the bottom of the Grey Wing steadily filled as students rallied to support their neighbors.

"My favorite thing about this program is seeing the appreciation on students' and families' faces, as well as getting the entire school involved in doing a good thing," said Mrs. Letourneau, school counseling director and Peer Helpers organizer in a Spartan Times article about the Food Drive. (Read all about it here)

But the students didn't do it alone. Marc Motors donated $1,000 to help provide Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings for families in need. The Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce continued its multi-year tradition of support by raising $650 from its members to purchase 50 turkeys — one for each family receiving a food box. Hannaford Supermarkets coordinated the turkey pick-up and delivery, bringing all the pieces together for complete holiday meals.

At Sanford Middle School, students participated in the annual Holiday Food Drive Competition, organized by the school's Jobs For Maine Graduates (JMG) Program and coordinated by JMG Specialist Tara Houle. The spirited competition, which launched Nov. 4, pitted homerooms against each other for coveted turkey crowns and the glory of becoming champions. The food collected served a dual purpose: providing Thanksgiving meals for Sanford families and stocking the SMS Food Closet, which provides students with easy-to-prepare meals for evenings, weekends, and school breaks throughout the year. The pantry remains accessible to all SMS students and families as a vital community resource.

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary took a different approach to the season of giving, hosting "The Heart of Sanford Community Dinner" on November 25 in the school cafeteria. The event welcomed families with children enrolled in Sanford Schools for an evening of good food, laughter, and local hospitality.

Across the district, the efforts of students, staff, and community partners ensured that Sanford families could gather around tables filled with Thanksgiving meals. From the student-led competitions to local business support and welcoming community dinners, these initiatives demonstrated that when neighbors need neighbors most, Sanford answers the call.