Students pitch in for soldiers overseas

Youngsters make packages for troops

By: Bill Greenwood
   Students in South Brunswick High School’s Vietnam Era class want to ensure U.S. soldiers overseas are not forgotten this holiday season.
   The class hopes to have care packages consisting of student and community donations mailed to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan by Thanksgiving, according to the class’s teacher, Corinne Gaylord. She said the project is meant to guarantee that soldiers fighting in the War on Terror are not overlooked, like the veterans of the Vietnam War.
   "(In our class) we learn how poorly our soldiers were treated during Vietnam," Ms. Gaylord said. "The decision was made in this classroom that we should let the troops know that we support them."
   The class hopes to begin putting the packages together Nov. 17, said Ms. Gaylord. She said students would be filling boxes with an assortment of donated items as well as a letter written by the class. The students would then fill out a customs slip for each box, wrap them, and bring them to the post office for delivery.
   "It’s a good thing," Ms. Gaylord said. "It’s fun to do. The kids get caught up in it, and they’re doing something positive, which is great."
   Ms. Gaylord said her students have responded well to the project and have gone out of their way to promote it. She said her students have met with the high school principal and local business owners and have made posters, fliers and a morning announcement at the school.
   "They have taken this and run with it," Ms. Gaylord said. "It’s amazing just to see the ideas, the creativity that has come from a group of students.
   "They have just really risen to the occasion," she said. "I am so pleased."
   The class is looking for a variety of items to include in its packages, Ms. Gaylord said. These items include: snacks such as hard candy (but no chocolates); microwaveable popcorn and soup; powdered drink mixes such as Kool-Aid and Gatorade; personal-care products such as body lotions, shave gel, toothbrush cases and baby wipes; large shoe boxes; and small shipping boxes. Monetary donations to help with the cost of shipping are also needed. Homemade foods are prohibited.
   Those who wish to participate should bring donations to the high school and request that they be sent to Ms. Gaylord. A more complete list of desired items can be obtained by contacting her at [email protected]. Checks should be made out to SBHS — Soldier Packages.