When Samantha Hein gets the idea in her head to do something, she does it.
The fifth-grader at Lakeville Elementary decided about a month ago to help American soldiers overseas with a ‘Toys for Kids in Afghanistan? Drive.
‘We received a letter from our friend Christina Nichols, who was in Afghanistan at the time,? said Hein’s mom Jeanne. ‘We had sent a box of treats and letters to her, and she wrote back about needing toys for the children.
‘We’re not positive exactly where she is stationed at the moment, but we have been sending the boxes to Afghanistan and the Army has transferred them from there.?
Hein’s mom explained that soldiers overseas use the toys to try and gain the trust of the children in the communities where they are stationed. Through these connections, the soldiers can often form relationships with the families.
Ten-year-old Hein worked with her girl scout troop, Troop 1170, to get the project off the ground. The troop approached Lakeville Elementary Principal Sharon Karpinski for assistance from the student council with advertising.
‘We want to do this to help people around the world,? said Hein.
‘We’re doing this because nobody wants to be left out and everybody loves new toys,? said Sarah Skelton, 11. ‘Everybody loves to have fun.?
In addition to the toy drive, fifth graders at Lakeville Elementary have been writing letters to community members, such as Nichols, who are currently serving in the military. The correspondence has been a chance for the students to learn about the daily rigors of military life and show the troops their support. The fifth grade classes have also had several individuals currently serving come in and share their experiences in the military.
‘We would like to thank all military personnel for their support and dedication to our country,? write the fifth grade classes in an e-mail about their project.
For the toy drive, Troop 1170 is collecting toys for all ages, infants on up, boys and girls. They ask that the toys be small, new and in their original packaging. Some examples include Matchbox cars, Barbie miniatures, rattles, bubbles, bouncy balls, stuffed animals and jump ropes.
Please, no food or candy, and no items that could break, spill or melt (such as crayons). Also, no books since ‘they can’t read English,? added Hein.
The toy drive will continue until the end of the school year. All donations can be dropped off in Lakeville Elementary’s main office.