PLUMSTED — Pupils at the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School are doing their part to let America’s servicemen and servicewomen know how much they are appreciated.
“During February, students donated items and money for phone cards for our servicemen and servicewomen,” said guidance counselorAlyse Reed, who along with special education teacher Nancy Forbes has helped the pupils become involved in projects that let service personnel know there are people at home who care about them.
As money was raised, classes were given a cut-out of a Hershey’s Kiss. The pupils then wrote a wish for the soldiers on the Hershey’s Kiss. Their wishes included statements like “We hope you come home safely,” “Thank you for protecting us” and “Thank you for all you do.”
The donations will be shipped out this month and will be combined with Girl Scout cookies collected by the Blue Star Mothers (mothers who have children who are serving or have served in the military).
“I am so proud to be a part of this school,” Forbes said. “The students are very supportive of our military and overall are very patriotic citizens. I have bragged to many people what a great bunch of kids we have here and how they understand the importance of giving back to the community.”
Forbes said she is overwhelmed with the amount of donations the school has raised. She said the students have been working together and added that giving back to the military has been a wonderful experience.
Some children made thank-you cards to go along with the donations to show their appreciation to the military members, she said.
The Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School raised more than $3,500 in items and monetary donations for this project.
Earlier this school year, Reed and Forbes kicked off what has been known in the Plumsted School District as “Spirit Week.” Students and staff members participated in a pep rally and various activities throughout the week.
The focus of “Spirit Week” was to raise awareness around the school community about the importance of kindness, making good choices, and supporting people in need, as well as supporting individuals who serve the country.
The students and staff members raised more than $500 in one week to support the Wounded Warrior Project, according to information provided by the school district.