Above / Preschoolers from Chesterbrook Academy in Lisle learned lessons about giving that will benefit Operation Support Our Troops-America this holiday season.
After learning about leadership and opportunities to give back in the classroom this fall, kindergarten students at the Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Lisle recently hosted a drive to collect items on a “wish list” to support men and women currently serving in the United States military.
Above / Youngsters listened intently while they learned what goes inside every care package.
With boxes and bags in hand on December 9, the young students delivered donations of handwritten cards, personal care items, snacks and more to Operation Support Our Troops-America, a nonprofit group of volunteers that assembles and sends care packages to members of the United States military serving overseas.
Following the delivery of the items they’d collected, the young students were given the opportunity to learn what the items would mean to the troops as they helped assemble care packages and toured the warehouse facility.
Above / Young students learned why nothing breakable can be sent in the care packages that travel more than 10,000 miles to reach military men and women serving their country.
Operation Support Our Troops America’s mission is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to them and their families both while they are deployed and after their return. The program sends comfort packages, along with personal letters, cards and notes of support.
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Lisle is part of Nobel Learning Communities, Inc., a national network of more than 185 nonsectarian private schools, including preschools, K-8 and high schools in 19 states across the nation and the District of Columbia.
Chesterbrook Academy schools provide high quality private education, with a challenging and well-rounded curriculum, caring and skilled teachers and attention to individual learning styles. They also offer before and after school care and summer camp. For more information on Chesterbrook Academy preschool, visit www.ChesterbrookAcademy.com.
Editor’s Note FYI: At the moment 12 items are included on Operation Support Our Troops-America’s most-needed list to help fill shelves and care boxes. Canned Fruit, Canned Tuna / Tuna Packs, Mouthwash (16.9 oz or less, no glass), Nasal Spray, Antacids (rolls or 100 ct. or less) are urgently needed.
Also needed are Pain medication (100 ct. or less), Crackers (12 oz. box or less), Peanut Butter (16 oz. or less, no glass), AA Batteries, Plain White and/or Plain Black Socks (no logos), Shaving Cream and Hand Sanitizer.
Groups that have organized a collection can contact collections@osotamerica.org to schedule a drop-off at the Operation Support Our Troops-America warehouse during business hours. In Naperville, small donations can be dropped off at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and at Midas dealers.
Photos courtesy of Kimberly Short for Chesterbrook Academy.
