A beautiful act of kindness is taking shape at Valleyview Elementary this November. Thanks to the compassion and leadership of Mrs. Gloria Krokos, the school’s beloved door monitor, a Thanksgiving Food Drive is underway, and the response has been extraordinary.
With overwhelming support from Principal Baskin and the entire Valleyview community, the drive has already collected an incredible 562 nonperishable food items in its first week alone. Students are eager to donate each morning, proudly carrying their contributions and sharing in the excitement of helping local families in need. The joy in their faces has been a reminder of what this season is truly about — gratitude, generosity, and community.
Mrs. Krokos, known for being the warm and welcoming face that greets everyone who enters Valleyview, shared that food drives were something she often helped organize when she lived in Westchester County. Wanting to continue that tradition of giving, she brought the idea to Valleyview, where it has quickly blossomed into something truly special.
The drive also includes a friendly competition among classrooms, with the class bringing in the most donations earning a well-deserved pizza party. More importantly, all collected items will be donated to St. Mary’s Food Pantry at 26 Elm Street, where they will directly serve local families in need.
The food drive will continue through November 21, and everyone in the community is invited to take part. Donations can be brought to Mrs. Krokos at the Valleyview Main Entrance during school hours. As she puts it best, “The more the merrier. The more food we can collect for our community, the better.”
This effort is a shining example of what makes Valleyview, and Oneonta, so special. When kindness leads the way, hearts and hands follow.
GO 'JACKETS!
