Montco students stuff stockings, write letters for soldiers overseas

NORTH WALES, Pa. (WPVI) -- A shipment full of the Christmas spirit is on its way to American soldiers who will spend the holidays deployed overseas.

The special delivery is courtesy of some children in Montgomery County, who spent weeks putting it all together.

Kindergartners at Mary Mother of the Redeemer in North Wales are stuffing stockings with care and sending goodies in packages that will travel thousands of miles in the air, postmarked for Afghanistan.

They might only be five and six years old, but they certainly know who this special delivery is for.

One kindergarten tells Action News it makes him feel special to help the soldiers simply because, "I love them."

The assembly line is the brainchild of Army wife, Air Force mom and retired kindergarten teacher, Anita Fleming.

"I'm that person that just connects people that want to be part of this military project to support these heroes," she said.

The kids are wearing bishop hats in honor of Saint Nicholas.

"His feast day is Dec. 6 and he is Santa Claus, and on the feast of Saint Nicholas the children are playing Santa by stuffing the stockings," said Anita.

And they're not just stuffing stockings - they're also writing letters to send to the airmen and soldiers overseas.

The kids also raised money to purchase the stockings and candy. A parent donated money for shipping.

Watching and helping are the mothers of the men who will receive these packages full of candy and love, like Airman Bryan Schwartz and Army Specialist R.J. Paski. Both of their moms say in turn, their sons will play Saint Nicholas when they receive them.

"Very proud, very surprised. It's wonderful," said Bryan's mom, Lisa Schwartz.

"When he receives packages, the first thing he does is share. He says 'Mom, the letters from the kids are awesome!' said R.J.'s mom, Liz Paski. "It really touches heart, gives them a lot of hope and it inspires them."