Last week, students in Ms. Smith’s first grade assembled 22 boxes of supplies to be sent to troops serving in Afghanistan. The project was inspired by a student in the class, Logan Gregor, whose father is among those troops. The children stuffed Christmas stockings and large boxes with much-needed supplies and special treats. The goal was to provide items that made the service men and women feel more comfortable and “at home” while they are so far away. These gifts included sheets, t-shirts, socks, hand warmers, chapstick, hand lotion and sought after items such as magazines, books, stationery, envelopes, pens, local newspapers and homemade goods. 
“Thanks to one parent, who this project really hit home with, we even sent whoopie pies,” says Stacey Hughes, a parent who organized the project. The seventh grade donated handmade paracord bracelets to the cause. Also included were over 350 cards and letters from all of the children at St. Brigid.
Parents who have themselves been deployed assisted with the shipping costs. One parent even hand delivered box #22 to the post office as Mrs. Hughes was there filling out the shipping forms.
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“It is so rewarding to know that our students are learning at such an early age about service and that even at their young age, they are powerful and can make a difference and have an impact in this world,” said Mrs. Hughes. “This has been such a great learning experience for our children.”
A friend of the Gregor family, also in the military, later visited the first graders to talk about what it means to serve one's country and what life is like in Afghanistan. For over an hour he spoke about his experiences in the Army and answered dozens of questions. Almost all of the children in the class said they had a family member or family friend who was in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines.
Mrs. Hughes expects to repeat this project in the spring, sending another set of boxes for Easter. Stay tuned for more information.
A big thank you to everyone who participated in this important endeavor. From the teachers who spent time in the classroom helping students compose letters, to the parents whose quick response made it possible, everyone who had a part should be proud of their contributions. Mrs. Hughes said it best: “I am sure it will make the Service Men and Women have a little bit brighter Christmas knowing people at St. Brigid are thinking of them and sending their heartfelt prayers.”
