Pre-Thanksgiving Turkey Crafts for Tots

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the Stony Point Community Center, dozens of kids and their families gathered for an evening of holiday-themed arts and crafts.

“It gives everyone a little bit of a breather,” said Noreen Smith, Recreation Facilities Supervisor for the Town of Stony Point. Smith has been helping host the annual kids’ “craft fest” for seven years. With kids whizzing by every which way, she helped keep everything in order, lending a hand to child after child in making their projects.

Each year there are a variety of different crafts. This year featured kids creating bread baskets and making turkeys out of cookies and chocolates. ShopRite, the sponsor of the event, donated snacks to help with the chocolate turkeys while Rockland Bakery donated bread rolls to fill the basket works of art. As for the baskets, Smith sent out a Facebook inquiry asking for contributions and voilà – fun for the whole family.

Andrea Jacobs of Stony Point brought her 5 and 2 ½-year-old children to share in the joyous occasion. “It really fosters a good sense of community,” she said. Although her first time there, she said her kids were having a blast.

Another local, Lori Alfieri, was with her son, niece, nephew, and brother, explaining that a happy, healthy family is the most important thing on her list of things to be thankful for. “You can always wish for that Mercedes, but what do you really have without family?” she said. “This holiday really puts everything into perspective.”

John Orfini, also celebrating family, came out with his father and youngsters and enjoyed helping his 6 and 4-year-old put their basket together. “It’s great for the kids,” he said. “A great way to be involved.”

The Town of Stony Point has several other activities coming up including a holiday shoppe, a town tree lighting, and a bus trip for “Frosty” at Westchester Broadway Theatre.