Sandy Hook Elementary School’s ‘Tree Of Kindness’ Project Takes Root

This year Sandy Hook Elementary School students participated in a Tree of Kindness Project, where the children reached beyond the surrounding community to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Third grade teacher Amy Taylor organized and coordinated the project. Through a direct connection with a student’s family member stationed in Iraq, the students were given a firsthand account of the overall quality of life for the children there.

Stationed in Fallujah, Iraq, Lt  Col William Brown described the lack of basic school supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, and notebooks. Items such as sandals, sunglasses, and children’s toys are viewed as a luxury.

Students and their families rallied to help support the effort to collect school supplies, children’s toys as well as care package items for the US troops. In all 26 boxes were shipped to the Civil Military Operations Center in Fallujah, courtesy of the Sandy Hook School PTA.

What began as a single class project soon evolved into an entire schoolwide event. In addition, Mrs Taylor’s class wrote personal letters to the soldiers as well as circulated a banner throughout the school for all to sign, thanking the troops for all they do.

Reports from Fallujah are that all of the school supplies, toys, and care package items were greatly appreciated. The signed banner hangs proudly at the Civil Military Operations Center in downtown Fallujah.