Park View students send `Holiday Cheer' to RI service members

HARD AT WORK: After learning about the origins of Veterans Day and why it is celebrated, students at Park View Middle School began working hard to create cards and letters that would be sent to Rhode Island servicemen and women who are serving overseas and will not be home for the upcoming holidays.

(Herald photos by Jen Cowart)

A SAMPLING OF ART: Shown here is just a small selection of the many cards and letters created by the students at Park View.

(Herald photos by Jen Cowart)

BE AUTHENTIC: The students were encouraged to put their very best efforts into their work for the soldiers and they were reminded that the cards and letters would be received by those who were missing family and friends. The students researched symbols, logos and other designs to include on their work. Flags, eagles, military boots and peace signs were just some of the designs chosen by the students for their work.

(Herald photos by Jen Cowart)

The Cranston Herald · Wednesday, November 30, 2016 1:01 pm

By Jen Cowart

Each year, as part of their Operation Holiday Cheer initiative, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor asks for help in gathering supplies for care packages, which are shipped to Rhode Island service members who are unable to return home for the holidays.

At Park View Middle School, where the Veterans Day 5K was just about to take place and this year's Kindness Campaign is already well underway, the eighth-grade social studies students spent some time in class learning about the origin of Veterans Day and why it is celebrated, then writing heartfelt messages of thanks and creating cards for active duty service personnel. Students shared stories of family and friends who had served in the military or are currently serving, and discussed the importance of reaching out to these servicemen and women to show appreciation for their service as well as their time away from family and friends, especially during the upcoming holidays.

According to social studies teacher Ann Marie Torres, last year a solider serving in the Middle East replied, thanking the students for their cards and letters and letting them know how much they meant to those who had received them. Just prior to the students beginning their cards and letters, she reread the letter to the students.

“A pilot in the Air Force and six of his co-workers received the letters, and he was so touched,” she said to the students. “He talked about how difficult it was during this time of year because he and his colleagues each had children about your ages and they were missing them dearly. When you write your letters, put yourself aside and remember to put your best work forward. Remember that someone is actually getting these cards and letters.”

Packages for Operation Holiday Cheer were packed and mailed with the special PVMS cards and letters mixed in just before Thanksgiving in order to ensure delivery in time for the holidays.