There was plenty to be thankful for on Saturday, Nov. 22, when the UFT welcomed 150 children from local homeless shelters to its headquarters for its first Thanksgiving luncheon. At the end of the event, the children — who ranged in age from 2 to 15 — left with brand-new winter coats and accessories donated by UFT members.

“Too many kids don’t have the opportunity to be with friends and loved ones and have a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” said Vice President for Middle Schools Richard Mantell, who organized the luncheon in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless. “And many kids in these shelters don’t have the proper winter clothing.”

Against a festive backdrop of autumn-colored balloons and Pilgrim hats, the children decorated tree centerpieces by writing their thanks on paper leaves.

“I am thankful to be safe and healthy with all my family,”

read one.

At booths staffed by member volunteers, students had the opportunity to paint their own toy cars, construct airplanes powered by rubber bands, decorate crafts and make bracelets. Student volunteers from the cosmetology program at Queens Vocational and Technical HS donated their services for face painting, hair braiding and manicures.

“Pink is my favorite color in the world,” enthused Samara, a 6th-grader, who politely thanked her manicurist as the two students talked about school.

Over a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn and applesauce, the students chatted with the volunteers about the first Thanksgiving and speculated with excitement about the surprise dessert — which was revealed by tuxedo-clad waiters to be make-your-own ice cream sundaes.

While the children ate, UFT volunteers put the final touches on gift bags of new winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves, all donated by individual UFT members and the Municipal Credit Union.

“They had no idea that they would be getting these garments and the looks on their faces and the gratitude they displayed were truly overwhelming,” said Mantell.

Martin Marczika, a science teacher at MS 88 in Park Slope, organized a coat drive at his school and volunteered for the event.

“I enjoyed spending time with these kids,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine being in their situation, but they’re having a blast.”