St. John Lutheran School in Ellisville Sends Support to Troops
Boxes for the Brave
St. John Lutheran School students and families are again supporting U.S. troops stationed overseas this holiday season by collecting and shipping requested food and household items as part of the school's "Boxes for the Brave" program.
The initiative was started in 2006 when a student's father stationed in Iraq saw an opportunity to help his fellow troops and provide students a way to give back during the holidays. Initially called "Shoeboxes for Soldiers," the program was well-received and has continued to grow over the last four years. This year, the items will be shipped to medical personnel in an Afghan hospital.
"While providing supplies is important and definitely helps the troops, we've found that the letters the students write that accompany the boxes truly make an impact and a difference to the men and women serving overseas," said Spencer Peregoy, principal of the school in Ellisville. "The students often receive letters in return and are thrilled to hear firsthand from those supporting our country."
Items, including drink mixes, granola bars, razors, and hand sanitizer, will go directly to the soldiers being cared for in the hospitals, as well as the military doctors and nurses. They will receive the St. John supplies and letters in Afghanistan close to the Christmas holidays.
