As the leaves shifted from vibrant greens to shades of russet this November, classrooms across the school filled with towering boxes of canned goods and nonperishable items, each intended to bring hope to local families in need this Thanksgiving. At the center of this initiative is the beloved Señora Aigan Food Drive. Hauppauge High School’s Interact club has been giving back to our community every Thanksgiving through this annual fundraiser. Known for hosting various community events revolving around giving service, the Interact Club, along with the Spanish Club, have hosted the fundraiser. This campaign was established to venerate the legacy of Señora Aigan, an esteemed member of the Hauppauge High School World Language Department.

Who was Señora Aigan?

Señora Aigan was a Spanish teacher in our district for 20 years. She was more than just an educator, she was a role model, mentor, and true friend to all those who knew her. 

Far beyond the classroom, Señora Aigan granted her time to various causes within the community. “Her unwavering dedication to serving others was inspiring, embodying the spirit of The Giving Tree By Shel Silverstein,” Señora Torres, a fellow Spanish teacher professed. “Like the tree in the story, Señora Aigan selflessly gave of herself, asking not what others could do for her but what she could do to help the Hauppauge students, families, and the community.”

Señora Aigan’s impact on those around her created a lasting legacy, through her guidance, encouragement, and willingness for service. For at least 10 years, Señora Aigan collected food and goods in her room for families in need.  “She would literally do 3 carloads of food, at least,” French teacher Madame Rigaud apprised. After she passed away, the food drive fundraiser was created to commemorate and honor Señora Aigan and her dutiful involvement in her community. “She wanted us to carry forward this food drive,” Madame Rigaud continued. “She wanted people to keep making the world a better place.” Along with the food drive now, an IB Spanish scholarship in her name has been created. Every year, a fortunate IB Spanish student is given the Señora Aigan scholarship.

The Impact of the Food Drive

From October 26 to November 22, students and staff were given the opportunity to donate canned goods and nonperishable items, ranging from bags of ramen to canned ham and more. A turkey-shaped box was placed in front of Guidance for donations, and many of the language classes collected food as well. These donations were later put together into Thanksgiving baskets to give to families in need. 

This year alone, the food drive fed over 20 families. Carloads of food are given to families who are in need. Food not used to make Thanksgiving bags was donated to the Hauppauge Food Pantry. “I believe that every family deserves to have a nice meal on Thanksgiving, spend time with their family, and not worry about how they are going to afford their food,” Mrs. Craig, one of the advisors of the Interact Club, spoke about why this fundraiser is important to her. “I am happy to be able to contribute in a small way to their holiday.” 

As the season of giving passes, the Señora Aigan Food Drive reminds us all of the power of generosity and the difference our community can make.