Students Remember Troops on Valentine’s Day
Students at Riverbend Prep Elementary School work to bring a bit of cheer to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for Valentine's day.
Laveen, AZ, February 02, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Students at Riverbend Prep Elementary School in Laveen are excited for Valentine’s day this year. They’ve been busy making cards, writing letters, and preparing packages – but it isn’t what you think. This year, the school has decided to adopt two Army units – one in Iraq and the other in Afghanistan – to send some Valentine’s day cheer. From chapstick to candy, shampoo to sweets, the students are collecting items in preparation for shipment.
The troops are excited to get the packages as well. “It’s always fun to get packages from home, but the packages that we receive from kids at schools are always the best,” says Sgt. Jason King, currently stationed in Iraq, and an uncle to three Riverbend students. “It’s always fun to read their letters and see their drawings. It really lifts spirits and brings us a little piece of home.”
The students have also gotten the opportunity to hear from a former member of the Navy who explained the feelings that service members have when they receive packages from home. At an assembly at the school last Thursday, the students were also given the opportunity to ask questions. Many wanted to simply shake his hand.
If you ask the students why they want to send packages to the troops, their answers vary from, “because they are helping us to stay free” to, as one Kindergarten student stated “because it is nice.” Either way, the gifts from home will be very appreciated by all who receive them.
Local businesses are also helping the effort. One shipping store is donating the packaging items. LA Fitness is also collecting donations at their 51st Avenue and Baseline facility. “It really is a community effort,” says Tamara Hancock, Riverbend Prep PTSO President. “It’s always amazing to see the entire community come together to support our students in an effort such as this one.”
The students are planning to ship the packages by Friday, February 4th in hopes that they arrive in time for Valentine’s Day. If you’d like to contribute, you can do so by contacting Riverbend Prep Elementary at 602-285-3003, the Riverbend PTSO at 602-434-8343 or by joining them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/riverbendprep. Donations can also be dropped off at the LA Fitness in Laveen at 51st avenue and Baseline road.
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The troops are excited to get the packages as well. “It’s always fun to get packages from home, but the packages that we receive from kids at schools are always the best,” says Sgt. Jason King, currently stationed in Iraq, and an uncle to three Riverbend students. “It’s always fun to read their letters and see their drawings. It really lifts spirits and brings us a little piece of home.”
The students have also gotten the opportunity to hear from a former member of the Navy who explained the feelings that service members have when they receive packages from home. At an assembly at the school last Thursday, the students were also given the opportunity to ask questions. Many wanted to simply shake his hand.
If you ask the students why they want to send packages to the troops, their answers vary from, “because they are helping us to stay free” to, as one Kindergarten student stated “because it is nice.” Either way, the gifts from home will be very appreciated by all who receive them.
Local businesses are also helping the effort. One shipping store is donating the packaging items. LA Fitness is also collecting donations at their 51st Avenue and Baseline facility. “It really is a community effort,” says Tamara Hancock, Riverbend Prep PTSO President. “It’s always amazing to see the entire community come together to support our students in an effort such as this one.”
The students are planning to ship the packages by Friday, February 4th in hopes that they arrive in time for Valentine’s Day. If you’d like to contribute, you can do so by contacting Riverbend Prep Elementary at 602-285-3003, the Riverbend PTSO at 602-434-8343 or by joining them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/riverbendprep. Donations can also be dropped off at the LA Fitness in Laveen at 51st avenue and Baseline road.
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Contact
Riverbend Prep PTSO
Tamara Hancock
602-434-8343
riverbendprep.org
Tamara Hancock
602-434-8343
riverbendprep.org
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