Kinders collecting items for veterans
“What’s a veteran?” might have been a common question for kindergarteners at H.L. Suverkrup Elementary School at the beginning of the school year, but it isn’t anymore.
Roughly 60 students in Nicole Camerer and Rachel Mesa’s two classes learned the meaning of the word during their first quarter project.
“We wanted students to learn about geography, national symbols, patriotic songs, historical figures, create art, and more,” said teacher Rachel Mesa. “As we talked to our students about veterans, we wanted to figure out a way to help them and make them feel appreciated.”
The two teachers contacted the Veterans Administration hospital in Phoenix to enquire about ways to help. The duo asked about care packages, possibly centered around the military holiday.
“They let us know that the veterans usually get remembered on Veterans Day, but not during the rest of the year,” Mesa explained. “They encouraged us to do Christmas care packages instead. They were honestly most excited about getting homemade cards!”
Students began collecting items right away, including journals, pens, playing cards, socks, crossword books (and other logic-type puzzle books), sudokus, chapstick, blankets, magazines and books. All items must be new, according to the Phoenix VA Health Care System donations page on its website.
“We have collected a small amount, but are still in need of all items listed,” Mesa said in an email to the Yuma Sun.
Mesa noted that Kylie Goldsboro, a member of the K.I.D.S. CuddleKit Closet advisory board, relayed information to help as well,
and helped secure a grant for the kindergarteners to purchase more items for the veterans. The group encourages kids to help other kids with kindness.
Kindergarten students made a video requesting the items they need, Mesa said, and it can be viewed at the link: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=PV VG ED Yo DE I& feature= you tu.be.
“We are hoping to get lots of items by Nov. 30,” Mesa said. “We will be taking the care packages up to Phoenix for Christmas.”
Items can be dropped off at the H.L.Suverkrup office, on the northwest corner of Avenue C and 16th Street, until the close of business on Nov. 30. The school’s phone number is (928) 373-3510.