HAMILTON — Members of the Hamilton Central School FFA chapter once again worked like Santa’s elves Dec. 8 to create care baskets for special community members who inspire their own agriculture-based endeavors.

Now in its sixth year, the Thank a Farmer basket initiative is the students’ way to give a festive and personal “thank you” to area farmers who deserve a big shoutout all year long, said Breanna Craven, the Hamilton FFA chapter reporter.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year when the Hamilton FFA chapter is able to give back to their local farmers who do so much for the community all year long,” she said.

This year, they delivered to 16 local farmers.

The Thank A Farmer baskets themselves were constructed by the school’s Ag Mechanics class and were then laser engraved with “Hamilton FFA” and the FFA emblem on each one. Each basket was packed by FFA members with pasta, sauce, meatballs, butter, eggs and bread; chocolate milk and white milk from Collins Farm and Creamery; yogurt, cold brew coffee and coffee creamer donated by Chobani; cookies from Gilligan’s Island in Sherburne and popcorn and squash from Mosher Farms.

Walmart also made a donation of colanders, cutting boards, tongs and bread knives for each basket, Craven added.

She said FFA is all about showing their appreciation to others.

“FFA gives us a lot of opportunities to give back - that’s what this organization is all about, she explained. “This project is such a great way to make a positive impact on our community and show our appreciation and support for our farmers.” 

“The Thank a Farmer basket initiative is and always will be my favorite chapter activity,” added her sister Morgan Craven, an HCS FFA member and the New York State FFA Sentinel. “I’ve been involved with it for five years now and been a chair of the event for two. My favorite part is giving back to those who truly deserve it, our farmers. They are so appreciative and it is the least we can do to tell them how much our community is thankful for their hard work.”