Support for Troops

During March 2007, students in Mrs. Hodgson's Language Concepts class worked on a project to support troops in Qatar and Kuwait. Students sent e-mail asking what type of food the troops would like and then discussed how to collect items and who could help.

Mrs. Hodgson's class was small, only seven children grades kindergarten through second grade, so they decided to ask for other kindergarten and first grade students help with the project. Students gathered ideas for a letter which was sent home to tell parents about the project and to give some ideas of goodies to donate.

Mrs. Hodgson's students prepared, practiced and presented a speech to each kindergarten and first grade class. They answered questions the other students had.
They assembled packets to send home with students in other classes suggesting the following items: magazines, activity books, gum, candy, microwave popcorn, microwave soup, cookies, crackers, canned cheese, beef jerky, mixed nuts, coffee and a dollar donation to help with shipping costs.

For a week the students took turns going to other classrooms with a wagon to collect any items brought in. There was an overwhelming response! The students sorted through all the goodies and split them into boxes going to Qatar and boxes going to Kuwait. They included a book they made sequencing the events of the project..

Once the boxes were packed, sealed and decorated, Mrs. Hodgson's class took a trip to the post office across the street to weigh, pay and ship them out.

Approximately one week later, the troops in Qatar received their boxes and called to tell the class how ecstatic and appreciative they were. They said, “These are the best care packages we’ve received, usually we just get soap and toothpaste.” A few days later, the troops in Kuwait received their packages and were also delighted.

This service learning project truly impacted the students in this class. One parent said her daughter talked about Qatar and Kuwait as if she were a CNN reporter. Another student looked at all the goodies one day and said, “These troops are going to be surprised!” and “This is awesome!” This was a great character-building opportunity which instilled values in these children.

When it came time to donate money for the Haley Decatur fund, one student initially said, “I’m not bringing money, I don’t know who she is,” but we were able to help that child make the connection that even though we didn't know the soldiers we reached out and helped them. He learned that even though you don't know someone personally it's still the 'right thing' to help.

Through this project the students learned geography, math and mapping skills locating Qatar and Kuwait. They sorted, counted and graphed all the donations learning about weight and money when they brought the boxes to the post office. They used their listening and speaking skills presenting speeches to each kindergarten and first grade classroom.

This project truly boosted confidence levels, built a lot of character and provided the students with an opportunity to put their school skills to work.

Thanks to the Learn and Serve America grant for this funding and thank you to everyone in kindergarten and first grade for helping our troops. They were so grateful to all the students and their families who helped with this service learning project.