Operation Sandbox

To the Editor:

I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped to make our collection for Operation Sandbox a success. Operation Sandbox is a Connecticut group who is sending care packages to the soldiers operating in Iraq. The Newtown response to this cause was overwhelming.

The students at the Reed 5/6 School collected over $400 for shipping expenses. The moms’ support program participants filled 100 shoebox size boxes (boxes donated by local Rand and Whitney). Children at Sandy Hook, Middle Gate, and Head O’ Meadow Elementary Schools also collected small items to make life a little more bearable for a solider overseas. Our collection box at Newtown Youth Services was continually filled by the generosity of Newtowners. Local children drew pictures and wrote letters of gratitude to the soldiers. We also received requests from families, with the names and addresses of their loved ones fighting, to please send boxes to them. One family wrote how grateful they were for our efforts, and told us their son hadn’t had access to a shower for four weeks.

Last Saturday, May 3, a moving truck came to pickup our collection and take it to Operation Sandbox headquarters in Ellington, Conn. This collection was so successful because of the kindness of Newtowners and we thank you all for your contributions. I know it will make a difference to our American soldiers, who will know Newtown cares!

With Thanks,

Addie Sandler

Youth and Family Counselor

Newtown Youth Services

41-A Main Street, Newtown                                            May 6, 2003