Members from dance programs at St. John’s Prep H.S., Astoria, started a service project for families living at the Metro Family Shelter in Woodside. The teams created 140 baskets that were presented to the children on Holy Thursday, April 13.

The ‘Easter Basket Project’ was an initiative launched by Dance Director Debra Befumo and members from the three major dance programs at the school: its modern, Spanish and Bollywood groups.

Senior dance co-captain Haley Valentin recalled her experience at the shelter.

“When I took a step back and realized just how many baskets our generous school community had helped us create, it really warmed my heart,” stated Valentin. “As one family after another came to accept a basket of their choosing, I saw the gratitude in each and every face.”