On Wednesday, December 17, the Batavia Teachers’ Association was proud to help turn a local hockey game into a meaningful community event. During a Batavia Notre Dame JV Hockey game, we hosted Batavia’s first-ever Teddy Bear Toss—an evening focused on generosity, connection, and supporting local children.

Community members attending the game were encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal. At the end of the first period, fans filled the ice with teddy bears as donations were tossed from the stands. By the end of the night, approximately 300 stuffed animals had been collected.

All donated bears will be distributed to local children through organizations serving Batavia families, including the Salvation Army, children’s hospitals, shelters, and other community-based groups. In addition to the stuffed animals, the event also raised more than $100 in cash donations, all of which will be donated directly to the Salvation Army.

To make sure everyone had the opportunity to participate, the Batavia Teachers’ Association purchased 100 teddy bears in advance and coordinated on-site bear sales throughout the evening. This allowed families and fans who arrived without a donation to still take part in the event and contribute to the cause.

The Teddy Bear Toss is one more example of how Batavia educators work together to support the community we serve. While our work begins in classrooms across the district, it extends far beyond school walls. Events like this allow us to connect with families, partner with local organizations, and create moments that make a real difference for children in need.

We are grateful to the Batavia Notre Dame JV Hockey team and to every community member who participated, donated, or helped spread the word. The success of this first Teddy Bear Toss shows what can happen when our community comes together with kindness at the center.

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.