Middle School Students Lend a Hand for Local Vets

Lacey middle school students joined with members of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 200 to transfer more than 1,000 non-perishable food items into vans for those veterans in need.

“With the economy the way it is, it’s very difficult for [veterans] to have a normal dinner. It’s really tough and anything will help,” Wayne Gordon of Vietnam Veterans said.

Gordon thanked the students for their efforts, explaining to them that they’re putting a thanksgiving dinner on the table for many families.

In 2010 New Jersey had 900,000 veterans in need of food and 55 percent were children, Gordon said.

The Lacey Middle School Builders Club organized the collection. Students, teachers and parents in each seventh and eighth grade homeroom collected food; 1,100 items were gathered.

The collection was a real "eye opener" for the students, advisor Pat Maniscalco said.

“I just think they realized how much people don’t have and that they can give of themselves,” she said.

A slushie sale was also held to raise funds to purchase 18 Shop Rite gift cards for veterans.

“We helped returning veterans to have food just in case they don’t have the money to support their families,” student Melanie Stratton said.

One student, proposed the idea of using reusable shopping bags as opposed to plastic and paper for the food drive.

“I’ve always been environmental,” PJ LoBello said. “Plastic bags are really bad for the environment.” The non-degradable bags can be reused and save money, he said.

The Builders Club will next be holding a “Keep the Soldier Warm Drive” to collect hats, gloves, black socks, hot chocolate and soup for soldiers currently serving overseas.