OMS 5th Graders Give to Troops Overseas

Ozark Middle School fifth graders in social studies class learned more than history during the first semester. Many of them also had a lesson in compassion, empathy and how it is better to give than to receive. 

“I wrote a note to one of the soldiers saying a lot of kind things. I did it because I knew they weren’t coming home for Christmas and also because it just felt like I should do it out of the depths of my heart,” student Ella Alexander said. “I felt proud when I saw their response and overall it felt amazing that I had done that. I also felt happy that the soldiers were happy!”

In November, students wrote letters and cards, as well as collected gifts, snacks and hygiene items to send to troops in the Middle East. And in January, students received a nice surprise in return — a video of a soldier reading one of the letters and a few photos from the thankful troops. 

“I did this project because I know the happiness that will fill their hearts,” student Milana Krivoruchko said. “What I felt when I saw their responses was happiness and joy knowing they are happy and joyful, too. These people should get appreciated for what they’ve done for our country.”

OMS teacher Amanda Clark said the project wasn’t a class assignment but simply a volunteer opportunity for students, adding that it was great to see the hard work and excitement students put into the project. 

Here are comments from a few other students who participated:

“I put together a hot cocoa set for the soldiers and made a pin of my soldier’s rank in the Air Force. I did it because I love to help people, and I wanted to make a difference to my country no matter how big or small. When I saw their response, I felt love in my heart, and joy knowing that I had made a difference to my country.” - Elora Wisdom

“What I did was a simple card that said some things about me thanking them for their service and letting them know that anyone can make a difference.” - David Chapman

“Why I gave to the soldiers is because I know that not a lot of soldiers get things from friends or family, and I thought they wish they did have stuff. I know I would appreciate it, and that’s why I gave.” - Willow Elliott