Thanksgiving started early at Oak Harbor Christian School when preschoolers spent Monday morning preparing a festive holiday meal.

And to share their meal they invited several senior citizens from the area. Together, they enjoyed a feast of chicken nuggets, muffins, pudding and fruit salad.

“We wanted to share blessings we have, and what better way than to invite some members of our senior community,” said Lori Stewart, preschool teacher at Oak Harbor Christian School.

Students and seniors enjoyed visiting with each other.

“I think it’s just wonderful,” said Oak Harbor resident Dorothy Galivan of her young hosts. “They’re so sweet and polite and a joy to be with.”

Along with preparing food, the students also made the decorations that complemented the Thanksgiving feast. Decorations included placemat turkeys made out of whole potatoes.

The preschoolers prepared enough food for two meals. Four seniors were invited for the morning meal while two others visited in the afternoon. Several parents were on hand to help prepare the meals and watch their children enjoy the day.

The preschool students have learned about community during the past couple of weeks. During that time a police officer, a nurse and people from a recycling business have visited. The holiday provided a reason to invite seniors to school.

“This is our way of showing them people in the community,” said Marie Bakker, preschool director at Oak Harbor Christian School.