After reading an article in the Leader about local resident Diane Giroux putting together care packages for soldiers in Iraq, Oxford Elementary fourth-grade teacher, Barbara Johnston, decided to put a spin on her social studies class.
To help boost the spirits of the Army National Guardsmen of Michigan’s 125th Infantry, Johnston had her class and Jaime Bartlo’s class write heartfelt letters and bag up candy with them. Johnston contacted Giroux and she thought it was a great idea.
‘In the social studies, we try to teach the importance of being a good citizen and being involved in our communities,? Johnston said.
Nine-year-old McKenzie Jannuzzi wrote about the dogs her mother rescued and about the cold weather approaching Michigan.
She also thanked the soldier and said her family is praying for them. ‘We believe in all of you. In your fight, courage and battle for our country,? she wrote.
Fourth-grader Katie wrote how proud she is of the sacrifice they’re making for our country. She wrote a clever joke for the soldier.
‘What do spies wear when they are in the desert? Camel-flage,? she wrote.
To make sure the packages got to the soldiers by Christmas, the kids kicked into gear, packaging 170 bags of candy with letters and mailing them out by Nov. 18.
Although she hopes the soldiers write back about their experiences overseas, Johnston said the real reason behind the project was to encourage students to be thankful.
‘I thought it was important to remind the children to give thanks for our military personnel who are fighting around the world to keep us safe.?