For the last six years, faculty, staff, and students from the Stony Brook University School of Nursing have been giving thanks at Thanksgiving by giving back to the community. They volunteer, along with family and friends, by collecting holiday goodies for food baskets and distributing them to local families in need.

The Basket Brigade brings bundles of food to local families in need.

In the first year, they were able to bless 20 families with baskets. The effort has grown each year, and this year they made 34 baskets.

The group partnered with Island Harvest this year and filled each basket with a turkey, canned goods, stuffing, fresh fruit, and other treats for Thanksgiving dinner.

Through the group’s efforts, local families were able to have a stocked pantry beyond Thanksgiving.