District 157-C schools come together to support our troops

District 157-C families, students and staff are helping to make things a little brighter for American soldiers for the holidays. Through the District Charitable Giving Committee, the schools collected items and organized gift packages for the men and women who are serving in the armed forces. Frankfort community members were also invited to join the schools to support this effort.

The program was organized by teachers Becky Cleveland for Grand Prairie Elementary, Tammy Szkolny for Chelsea Intermediate and Cheryl Donovan for Hickory Creek Middle School. The collection took place from Veterans Day, November 11, through November 20. Hickory Creek participated in the collection and sent their items to Grand Prairie and Chelsea for inclusion in their packages. Hickory Creek students also gave out gift packages to veterans visiting their school on Veterans Day.

Christmas stockings, candy, personal care products, snacks and other treats were placed in the packages and mailed to the troops along with thank you cards written by the students. Popsicle sales were held at the schools to help pay for postage for the packages, with one final Popsicle sale to be held on December 11.

A grand total of 77 boxes were mailed to the troops, with 64 boxes going overseas and 13 boxes stateside. District 157-C gives special thanks to all of its school families, staff and community for helping make this effort a huge success.

Shown: Grand Prairie Elementary School students (l-r) Kyle Gess and Cullen Jorgensen with the packages after they were ready for mailing.