Fifth Graders remember Heroes for the Holidays | People

“We received an email from Bruce Dean, the Assistant Principal, about the Holiday Mail for Heroes,” explained fifth grade special education teacher Megan Williams. “We thought it would be a GREAT idea to share in the holiday spirit.”

 “With everything Southside [Middle School] is doing to promote good character, we thought it would be great to use ‘kindness’ as our character word for the month of December,” said Mrs. Williams.

  “I liked making the cards, because they will know we wish them a merry Christmas, and we are happy they are serving our country overseas,” said student Taylor Goodman.

“I hope they have a better Christmas because they see our cards we made them, because we really do care about our service,” said student Brian Nolan.

The “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program is sponsored by the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, which for the sixth straight year have teamed up to help Americans send holiday greetings to service members.

Fifth grader Zak Haynes said, “One day I might want to be in the ARMY and it would be nice if someone did the same for us.”  Keyvon McQueen said, “I hope they have a better Christmas because they may not get to see their families on Christmas.”

“I want them to know that we wish them a Merry Christmas and whoever their family is that they miss them too,” said Lindan Oliver.

“The students really enjoyed making the Christmas cards for our servicemen and women. It was fitting that they had the opportunity so shortly after our Veterans Day program, as they were able to better understand what they are going through. The students liked knowing that their cards could possibly bring some joy and Christmas Spirit to those brave men and women who sacrifice so much on our behalf,” said fifth grade teacher Cory Eckstein.