Preparations For Valentines 2010

To the Editor:

It all began in the fall of 2005 when second grade teacher Carole MacInnes had a wonderful idea. In January, her students would have a letter writing exercise and she thought that it would be a nice gesture to send the letters to our men and women in the military. In January 2006, about 50 letters were mailed to men and women serving overseas.

The idea was true inspiration and the little project took off, exploding exponentially each year thereafter.

Last January, students at Sandy Hook, Reed Intermediate, plus ten scout troops, two middle school clubs and Middle Gate RRD Club sent over 2,500 cards and letters to our military men and women overseas. In addition, Michelle Tenenbaum and her sixth grade chorus cut a CD of songs, which accompanied boxes of letters sent to units.

This coming year, Hawley School will join the project. This will give us the opportunity to write many thousands of letters to our troops. A project of this size requires much organization and a bit of perspiration. Help is needed and we would love to hear from you if you would like to participate.

If you have a friend or loved one who will be serving overseas for St Valentine’s Day, we would like to add him or her to our list. Volunteers are needed to prepare address labels, proofread letters, pack boxes or other. Your support is appreciated should you wish to lend a hand.

This project has brought smiles and joy to everyone it touches: students, teachers, administrators, parents and most of all, our military. If you, your group or school would like to be involved in this year’s up coming event, please contact me either by phone at 364-9772 or by email at ndrandle@charter.net

I hope to hear from you!

Donna Monteleone Randle

St Valentine’s Day Project Chairperson

4 Erin Lane, Sandy Hook                                     September 23, 2009