The Batavia Teachers’ Association is celebrating two heartfelt projects that helped local families heading into the Thanksgiving season. With nearly 300 teachers and staff spread across Batavia’s five schools, giving back is something the BTA takes seriously—and this year’s efforts show just how much educators care about the community they serve.
A Thanksgiving Food Drive With Deep Roots
At John Kennedy, school counselor Eric Knapp has been running the Thanksgiving Food Drive for 20 years. What started as a small Batavia Middle project in 2005 has grown into a districtwide tradition that now brings together students, educators, and community partners.
This year, members donated more than 1,000 food items—everything needed to help about 15 families, nearly 100 people total, enjoy a full holiday meal. Local partners like Wegmans, Lawley Insurance, the Batavia Police Department, and the Batavia Fire Department once again joined in, offering gift cards and hands-on support with organizing and delivering the boxes.
Eric is also behind John Kennedy’s Christmas toy drive for Golisano Children’s Hospital, which pulls in hundreds of toys each year. His focus is always on kindness and reminding students why caring for others matters. He often says that helping people—especially those going through a tough time—is one of the most meaningful parts of his job.
A New PB&J Drive at Batavia High School
Over at Batavia High School, social studies teacher John McCarthy kicked off a brand-new initiative this year: a Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive to support the Salvation Army. The idea came from watching how national issues were affecting families and wanting to make sure students had a reliable food option during tough stretches.
PB&J isn’t fancy, but it’s dependable, filling, and something families can use right away. McCarthy hopes the drive not only provides real support but also shows students what community care looks like in action. His long-term hope is that they’ll carry that spirit forward and maybe even start their own service projects someday.
Caring for Families, Not Just Classrooms
Both efforts reflect something Batavia educators believe deeply: supporting students also means supporting the households they come from. Whether it’s donating food, collecting toys, or organizing a new kind of drive, BTA members consistently step forward to help families feel seen, supported, and cared for.
These Thanksgiving-season projects highlight the heart of Batavia’s schools—people who show up for their community in ways big and small, year after year.
