Quilts for Troops

Students read letters they wrote US troops American troops serving overseas received a special Valentine’s Day present from students in the classes of Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Devine, Mrs. Levandusky, and Mrs. Bonesteel at Tamarac Elementary School.

Students created classroom quilts made from their photos and hand-written messages of thanks and appreciation. The students presented their quilts at an event in the Tamarac Elementary cafeteria before mailing them off to reach troops by Valentine’s Day.

Students read letters they wrote US troops During the event, each class read from letters they wrote to the troops.

“We are thankful for you and all you’re doing for us and the people in Iraq,” one student read.

“There’s a purple heart on each card because they all deserve one,” another student read.

Students read letters they wrote US troops Teacher Sanada Bailey, who organized the activity, asked the students why it was important for them to do something for the troops for Valentine’s Day.

“They help others so we should do something for them,” a student replied.

The activity originated after Mrs. Bailey ran into a former school employee, Pamela Naylor, who’s husband is serving oversees. Mrs. Naylor came into the school to share her husband’s experiences with the students. Major Lee R. Vartigian, a parent of Tamarac students who just returned from Afghanistan, also came in to talk with the students about his experiences.

Students look over quilts they made to send to US troops “We thought this would be nice to do to show we really care,” Mrs. Bailey said. “It’s tied to character education. Compassion for others is one of the things we work on.”

Three of the four quilts were sent to Mr. Naylor’s unit oversees. The fourth quilt was sent to Mrs. Naylor and her family.

“That way, he’ll have the three to display and have one to come home to as well,” Mrs. Bailey said.

Quilts that Tamarac students made for US troops

Elementary Students Make Quilts for Troops Overseas