Early Childhood students help soldiers load care packages for shipment.

Grandview students of all ages worked together to pack 130 care packages today to send to servicemen and servicewomen stationed overseas this holiday season. In the third consecutive year working with Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, the school collected more than enough items to fill all 130 boxes, plus another 130 “Troop It Forward” boxes.

The collection began shortly after Veterans Day as students reflected on what it means to serve ones country as a member of the military, realizing the sacrifices made to ensure the safety of others.  In addition to collecting items for the care packages, students also wrote individual messages to show their appreciation.

“I met the people at Forgotten Soldiers Outreach four years ago at a city holiday celebration and knew our school had to get involved,” said Dean of Students Laurie Houghton, who served in the Navy Reserves for eight years.

The boxes packed today will be sent to a Military Police Troop serving overseas from Melbourne, Florida.  The soldiers will receive the packages shortly after the new year.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. sends monthly “We Care” packages to our troops serving overseas, covering all world theaters and all branches of the military. Since its inception in 2003, FSO has benefited well over 300,000 of our military to date For more information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with the State of Florida and State of Georgia, please log on to www.forgottensoldiers.org.

To view more photos from the event, visit our Facebook Page.