Thanking Our Military

Thanking Our Military

St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School will be bringing smiles to 280 soldier’s faces. The schools recent stewardship event, SJN’s Operation Appreciation was an opportunity for the student body to help our U.S. soldiers.

Students donated requested items to be sent to all branches of the military. After the many items were collected, families came together to write letters, make cards, and pack the donated items into 50 boxes which are being sent overseas. These items will be shared by soldiers who have no family or do not receive support from their families while deployed.

According to parent Diana Shepherd, “Participating in Operation Appreciation provided our family with the opportunity to get a closer look and a better understanding of the sacrifices that the members of our military make each day.  

"For instance, our Airman, and the 11 others his written request represented, asked for such simple items as chapstick, or 30 pieces of candy for 12 men. He conveyed that they did not have a PX available to get food.  

"Instead, he requested popcorn that they could microwave. CPO Peter Zakis who served in Afghanistan, shared with me that at many locations they must cook their meals over open fires.  

"He also said, the most treasured item, even above the small creature comforts we are sending, is a card or letter from home.  For those who have little or no family contact, receiving a card or letter from a complete stranger, conveying that he or she is not forgotten, is just as treasured.

"I thought I was bringing my 11-yr. old son to gain a greater appreciation for our military, but this was a much needed reminder for myself.  It reminded me of the many and great sacrifices we, who back here in the comfort of our own homes, ask of those whom we count on to defend our precious freedoms.”

The school used anysoldier.com, which links soldiers with those willing to help them and provides donors with all the necessary information to make it easy.  In addition to the donations from the 297 families that make up St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School, all associated shipping costs were covered by Crown Communities and the most requested and expensive item on the wish list of every soldier was donated by Advanced Bionutritionals. They donated 50 canisters of advanced protein powder.

St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School located in Lilburn, Ga., serves students in grades kindergarten through eighth.