It was a big "thank you" to the troops Wednesday from the student body at Saint Eleanor Catholic School in Collegeville, as the school celebrates the nation during Catholic Schools Week.
"It's just our way of saying 'Thank you!' to those men and women serving for our country, for our freedom," said Vice Principal Theresa Healy.
This year the school decided to narrow its focus to a unit overseas that's especially close to its heart.
"This year I said, 'Hey, do you think we can do something for my godson?'" music teacher Karen O'Connor told Action News.
O'Connor's godson is 21-year-old Private First Class Ryan Holsapple, who has been stationed in Afghanistan since last spring. The school is assembling care packages for Holsapple and the rest of his unit from the 236th Inland Cargo Transportation Company.
Each grade was assigned an item, from deodorant to sunflower seeds. In addition to items like these toothbrushes and shampoo, each student brought in $1 so they could ship these care packages overseas.
Along with the tangible items, there were intangibles as well: the love, prayers and gratitude expressed by the students in letters that will be shipped along with the goods.
"Thank you for protecting our country," wrote 4th grader Owen Ley. "I hope you stay healthy and return soon."
"You play a big role in all that we have," said 4th grader Katie Schiele in her letter. "And you give us freedom."
The day resonated particularly with third grader Kylie Rocco, whose father recently returned from Afghanistan.
"I'm really proud of him. I was amazed to see him when he came back," said Kylie.
