Kirstie Neal of Hogansville Elementary School presents a bag to VFW Post 4629 Commander Richard Attaway. Looking on are counselor Carmen Dougherty and student council members Noah Mutfwang, Austin Combs, Damaris Russell, Noah Berryhill, Jesus Mireles, Kirstie Neal, Tiffany Hewett, Alvin Stephens, Jessi Joiner, Bryonna Wood and Adrian Brewer.
“The children really got involved and did a great job,” said Karen Cardwell, president of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4629 in LaGrange. “The auxiliary and Hogansville Elementary have worked together on projects for several years. It’s a special school and always very supportive.”
This year’s effort got under way before Halloween, when members of the Student Council/crime watch team sold candy-grams to raise money for the gifts. Sale proceeds were used to buy note pads, socks, toiletries, pens, and other items for the veterans – enough to fill about 50 bags decorated by the students.
The local auxiliary is responsible for gifts for patients on one whole floor at the VA Hospital, Cardwell said. Caps and clothing items will be added to the bags by auxiliary and VFW members.
But the most important item in each bag is a handmade card with a personal message from a student.
“The cards are beautiful and very touching,” Cardwell said.
Media specialist LuAnn Hendrix shared several student-written messages:
“Dear Veteran, Thank you for all your hard work serving our country. Get well soon. I am so glad we have veterans like you guys.”
“Dear Veteran, I would like to thank you for serving my country. You all are brave women and men. I don’t think I could ever do the things you do. But without you, I couldn’t do the things I like to do.”
“Dear Veteran, I wanted to thank you for fighting in the war. I hope you get well soon. Take some time to think about the best time in your life. Maybe that will make you feel better.”
“Dear Veteran, Thank you for all you do. You fight for our country and risk a lot … things like your family and home, and even your life. Just know that you are special and you prove you love this country.”
Ruth Russell, school counselor and co-adviser of the Student Council, said the students earned a strong appreciation for veterans.
“Our students have gained an understanding of the freedoms we enjoy in America and how our veterans have fought to protect these freedoms,” she said. “They have also learned to appreciate the service that our veterans have given and to honor the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe. By taking a closer look at the service of these brave men and women, the students have gained a sense of pride in being Americans.”
Today, a team of students and auxiliary members will travel together to Atlanta to deliver the bags.
It’s always a meaningful trip, Cardwell said.
“It truly gives you an understanding of the saying ‘It’s better to give than receive,’ ” she said.
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