Students, staff pack Stockings for Soldiers

Due to the generosity and kindness of students, staff and faculty at the Meyersdale Area School District, the holidays will be just a bit sweeter for members of the U.S. Armed Services. The annual “Stockings for Soldiers” drive was a success and organizers and volunteers want to thank everyone for their continued support.

For several weeks in November, organizers Tammy Hetrick and Ginger Geiger, set up collections for “comfort items,” including puzzle books, magazines, card games, snacks and personal hygiene items. The call for donations was met with great enthusiasm and the District once again demonstrated its generosity and care for others. These items were then organized and care packages were sent to individuals whose names and addresses were provided by friends or family members. Each box contained enough items to be shared with squadron members or roommates.

Geiger said the district’s contributions, in addition to monetary donations from area individuals, allowed the volunteers to package and ship more than 20 boxes. “We want to thank everyone for their generosity. We were able to ship 24 boxes and extra items were sent to help out in Kentucky so the donations were more important than ever,” she explained.

Geiger and Hetrick said the continued support of their project is heartwarming, but not surprising. “Our students have an immensely generous and giving spirit that each year quickly reminds me of all those blessings that I often take for granted. I know how deep our students dig to make this project a success every single year,” Hetrick explained. “They make me proud in that they realize the sacrifice that this Nation’s military have made and continue to make on a daily basis; and that they, our students, want to recognize that sacrifice and make a difference in their own way as well. After all, isn’t that the true spirit of Christmas?”