Valentines For Troops 2010

To the Editor:

This January marks the fifth year that Newtown students will be writing letters for Valentine’s Day to service men and women who are serving overseas. What started as an idea of one second grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2006 has exploded to all our public schools, three Newtown churches (Trinity Episcopal, St Rose of Lima RC and New Hope Congregational), and many scout troops and clubs.

This year, we will be writing to thousands of men and women in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Japan, and England and on ships at sea. Letters will be sent to individuals in units across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

Gifts such as hard candies, gently used or new DVDs, beanie babies or other items will be mailed with the boxes. Donations for these items or men’s pajama bottoms, size small or medium for hospital patients, are being collected throughout town. You can drop them off at Sandy Hook Hair Company, Sandy Hook, Hawley or Reed School, the Newtown Municipal Center, Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, or any Charter Communications office.

Newtown dentists Dr Joshua Baum, Dr Bryson Filbert, and Dr Mark Renzi, Dental Associates, have generously donated thousands of toothbrushes to be sent to our troops in the boxes with our students’ letters. Thank you so much!

This year, we have Charter Communications as a valentines partner. They are collecting DVDs at their Connecticut offices, as well as parts of Massachusetts.

World Wrestling Entertainment partnered with Reed Intermediate students for the second year. In December, they delivered hundreds of letters to troops in Iraq during their show Tribute to the Troops. Reed students have heard back from many of these soldiers and will be writing to them for Valentine’s Day.

Michelle Tenenbaum, Reed Chorus director, has already allowed inspiration to guide her and her students. Last year, her All Volunteer Chorus made a CD of songs which was sent to the troops. This year, all schools are invited to participate in cutting a new recording. Michelle will again produce ample copies of this year’s CD to send multiple copies to all the units and ships at sea!

Newtown students, teachers, parents, and administrators are continuing a wonderful tradition that has brought joy to all who work on this project. Thank you, in advance, for the kindness you are showing our sons and daughters far from home.

If you or your organization would like to support our troops by writing letters or donating items, please feel free to contact me at ndrandle@charter.net or call 203-364-9772. I know that you will put a smile on the face of every person who you touch!

Donna A. Monteleone Randle

Valentine’s Project Chairperson

Former US Army Captain, Signal Corps

4 Erin Lane, Sandy Hook                                            January 6, 2010