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Soldier's Angels at Olive Drive Elementary

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I was researching things on the Internet one night for lesson ideas for my 5th grade class at Olive Drive Elementary and came across Soldier’s Angels. This is an organization who finds people who are willing to adopt soldiers. Their purpose is to make sure no soldiers, our brave heroes, goes unloved.  The adoptees responsibility is to send letters and care packages periodically to their soldier to encourage and thank them for what they do. 

The next day, I proposed participating in a service project and adopting a soldier to my class. They voted unanimously to adopt our soldier, David.  They were ecstatic to write letters (remember most 5th graders don't enjoy writing) and many of my boys wrote more than they have ever written on any assignment thus far. Many class members also brought in items to send to our soldier.

I let my student's know before hand that soldiers are very busy and many don't have time to respond.  All of them said that was OK, they were just happy to write and support him.  The first letter sent to our soldier was by me, introducing myself and the Baker Bunch kiddos and asking David what he would most like us to send him in the care packages.  Within a week I had an e-mail response with his excitement of new friends from the U.S.  He also said he was just happy to have us write him and didn't need anything in particular.  Isn't that just like a U.S. soldier so giving and not wanting anything in return? 

We sent our package anyway and tried to think of items that he would enjoy while miles away from family and home. The joy on the Baker Bunch students’ faces while packing up the box for our brave hero spoke volumes for the statement “It is more blessed to give than receive.” These soldiers give of themselves everyday and many times with nothing in return.  If you are interested in supporting this phenomenal organization the website with the sign-up information is soldiersangels.org.  Let’s make sure as many soldiers as possible are loved and appreciated this holiday season!!