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Students place coffee, golf balls and other useful items in care packages for soldiers

Children, soldiers exchange e-mails and letters

NORTH CANAAN — American troops have heeded the call to duty in Iraq and Afghanistan for six years now. Through the alternating terror and boredom of life in a war zone, they still live day to day, often with an inadequate supply of basics (such as toiletries) and those little extras than can buoy the spirit: snacks, music, magazines, maybe a book to read.

North Canaan Elementary School has mounted a month-long effort to collect items requested by servicemen and -women on active duty. Most-wanted items are toiletries, snack foods and school supplies for village children.

Second-grade teacher Ashley DeMazza, who is spearheading the effort with student organizer Tori Merrill, said a few special requests are also being met.

“Apparently, some Marines from Connecticut have set up a makeshift driving range, but they are using rocks instead of balls. Quarry View Golf Course donated 25 dozen golf balls,� DeMazza said.

Another request, for a couple of footballs, was fulfilled by the Steamrollers football team.

Olde School Deli is sending ground coffee, probably the most-requested item.

The Dollar Depot has made donations of items and established a collection box so the entire community can help out.

As for the students, even the youngest are able to understand the sacrifice the servicemen and -women are making.

“We’ve talked about what it must be like to be away from home for a long time,� DeMazza said. “They know there are a lot of people around the world who are not as fortunate as they are, to be able to get everything they need.�

The effort is already sparking an exchange of letters and e-mails between the troops and students.

A goal of 250 collected items has been set. Donations may be brought to the school or to Dollar Depot.

Lakeville Journal

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