Helping soldiers during the holidays

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   Iraq and Afghanistan are not the most ideal places to spend the holiday season, yet those places are where many of America’s fighting men and women will be this December.
   Though some troops will be a world away from their families for the holidays, Corinne Gaylord’s Vietnam Era class at South Brunswick High School is working to deliver them at least a few of the comforts of home for Christmas and Hanukkah.
   For the sixth straight year, as long as troops have been in Iraq, Ms. Gaylord has organized a care package drive with the two sections of her Vietnam class. The students collect items to be sent to active duty soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with letters thanking the troops for their service to the nation.
   ”When we first started the drive, the class was looking at lessons to be learned from the war in Vietnam,” Ms. Gaylord said. “One of the lessons is that we should show support for our troops. They didn’t create the situation, and they need us to show our support and encouragement.”
   The packages include personal items like shampoo and toothpaste, shirts, socks, DVDs, candy and drink mixes.
   Ms. Gaylord said that when she first started the drive, she would get all the names of soldiers to send the packages from www.anysolider.com, a database for people who want to send things to active duty service people. She said that over the years some former students from SBHS have begun being sent into the war zones, and that she has sent them packages to distribute amongst their regiments as well.
   ”It is a really good feeling, because it is such a good cause,” said Jamie Fine, 16, “Our class is really into it. Right now we are putting the boxes together.”
   Melissa Cohen, 16, helped collect items as well. She also wrote a letter to a soldier whose mother works with her mother.
   ”I tried to have a normal, easy going conversation in the letter,” Melissa said. “It is so fulfilling to help, because you know they will appreciate it.”
   Those who wish to donate can do so by bringing items to the front door of SBHS during school hours, and buzzing the receptionist. They will be collecting items until Nov. 20.
   They are looking donations of drink mixes, snacks, cups of noodles, beef jerky, skin moisturizers, sun block, lip balm, feminine hygiene products, shaving products, soap and body washes, batteries, DVDs, magazines, stationery, socks and Beanie Babies, which the soldiers distribute to local children.
   Items with liquids should be wrapped in two ziplock bags.
   Donations of $10 are also sought to offset shipping costs. Checks should be made out to SBHS — Soldier Packages, and mailed to South Brunswick High School, 750 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, N.J. 08852, attention Corie Gaylord.
   For any other information e-mail Ms. Gaylord at [email protected].