By the time they were finished Friday, Mary Jane Gilliam’s sixth graders had packed 52 boxes full of goodies for soldiers deployed overseas. The Highlander students’ efforts were part of a larger Salute the Troops project, sponsored by Lake Highlands Military Moms and the LH Exchange Club. Packages will be sent to Lake Highlands soldiers, and those men and women will have enough to share with troops serving along beside them.
“I think they will be thankful when these boxes arrive in the mail,” Sydney Cobb told me. “My parents were in the military, and they said when you’re in the middle of the desert, it’s nice to get packages. It means kids care about you.”
“I think the soldiers who receive these boxes will feel really surprised,” said Allyn Willis. “We’re helping them, and they’re helping us. They are fighting for our country, making us safe and secure.”
“They’ll be really happy when they receive these gifts,” said Jillian Prigmore, “they’ll know we care about them. I think they’ll enjoy the candy most.”
Chelsea Emmick figured they’d appreciate the toiletry items. “I think they will miss not getting to celebrate the holidays and experience our traditions. These packages will make them happy and give them what they need.”
Before they sealed the boxes, the students tucked in letters expressing their appreciation for the soldiers’ hard work and sacrifice.
“If I was stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq or a place like that,” said Max Lipscomb, “I would want to receive a letter from home to hear how everyone was doing.”
“I would want stationery so I could communicate with my family,” echoed Max Fedro.
“I would want a letter from my family, telling me how much they love me,” said Mason DeYoung.
“I’d wish for notepads to write to my loved ones,” agreed Marshall Prather.
Marshall’s twin was more practical.
“Candy and chips,” said Brendan Prather. “That’s what I’d want in my care package.”
“Popcorn and pop-tarts,” added John Ridge.
“I think opening these boxes will bring back the comforts of home,” said Julia Rose Arduino.
“They give up so much to serve us, this is the least we can do,” agreed Henry Kull.
If you’d like to help, you can drop off items from this list before 3 p.m. Nov. 27 at T.Hee Gifts, Dallas Media Center or Lake Highlands YMCA. To participate in the fun packing day, join Exchange Club members and Military Moms at the Knights of Columbus on Shoreview Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. You can also donate money for postage via the Exchange Club website here.
