Loose changes adds up for students’ project

By Eileen Oldfield
   A two-week fundraiser at Woodfern Elementary School collected 215 Beanie Babies, DVDs, snack foods, and $1,000 in cash to send to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
   The project, called Packages for Soldiers and Pennies for Postage, ran from Nov. 26 until Tuesday.
   Third- and fourth-graders ran the project, and were supervised by teachers Mary Schwartz and Pam Pederson.
   ”We thought what a great way to continue in the spirit of service, and send packages,” said Ms. Schwartz.
   Though the project connected with the school’s Veterans Day activities, the project had a more local connection — each of the soldiers receiving a package is a Woodfern teacher or student’s friend or relative.
   Students applied to work on the project committees by submitting a short essay explaining why they wanted to help, and received their parents’ permission before starting the activities. Often, work on the project occurred during the students’ recesses, before school, or after school.
   ”The kids who volunteered loved it,” said Ms. Schwartz. “I never heard a whine or a grimace. It turned out to be a fabulous project.”
   The requests for items came directly from family members or close friends of soldiers who are now serving in Iraq. Students placed change containers throughout the school to collect money for sending items overseas, and involved their families by creating a Wall of Honor for each family that donated enough money to ship a package overseas.
   ”We never imagined so many people would sign up,” said Ms. Schwartz. “The students wrote handwritten thank-you notes to all who donated.”
   According to Ms. Schwartz, 70 families and staff members donated to the project before it ended Tuesday.
   Ms. Schwartz said the gifts wouldn’t go out until next week. Each homeroom class is personalizing its package with letters to the soldiers.
   ”We are so proud of the time and energy our students have put forth in this service project,” said Woodfern Principal Matt Hoffman. “They truly hope they will make a difference in the life of a soldier, and I am sure they will.”