When donating items for veterans in need, it’s easy to think of collecting food and clothing items; however, basic toiletries are often needed the most. On Friday at Sacred Heart School students helped meet those needs by donating more than 1,000 rolls of toilet paper to veterans served by Catholic Charities.
The idea for the drive came when Principal Lisa Meyers inquired about items needed to help local veterans. Sue Warren, case manager for Catholic Charities, explained to Meyers that the organization could acquire funding for housing and food for veterans, but could not get funding for basic hygiene items such as toilet paper.
“I thought as a school we would be able to help out, and boy was I right,” said Meyers on Friday.
Throughout the month of October, Sacred Heart School students participated in a toilet paper drive for veterans. The entire school collected toilet paper each week, with the winning class earning the prize of their teacher wearing a toilet paper hat. Overall, the 98 students at Sacred Heart School raised 1,059 rolls of toilet paper.
“I’m so very proud of these guys,” said Meyers.
In addition to the toilet paper presentation, two Sacred Heart students Kassie Stine and Rylee Gregson, winners of this year’s Patriot Pen Essay Contest, read their essays on the theme, “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.” Stine noted in her essay that she has many friends and families who are both veterans and currently serving in the military.
“I’m very worried about them, but I’m also very proud of them” she said. “Without veterans in our country, our lives would not be the same. When I grow up I might want to be a veteran. I know it’s going to take a lot of bravery and a lot of training, but I want to repay the people who were brave for our country.”
Gregson also stated she has two cousins who are currently in the military, and family who had served in the past. She read that she appreciated the veterans doing their best to protect the country.
“They fight for people who can’t fight; some elderly people would love to still be fighting for their country but they physically can’t, so other people take their place and fight so hard to keep the people they love safe,” said Gregson. “Next time you think about freedom, remember this: freedom isn’t free, so thank God for our veterans.”
Present to accept the abundance of toilet paper was Dale Warren, a veteran who served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969.
“It really means a lot to a veteran to have you children do something for us,” said Warren to the children. “Some guys can’t afford to buy this on their own. One of the most special things for veterans is children, so to have you guys help us like this is really special.”
“It really means a lot to a veteran to have you children do something for us,” said Warren to the children. “Some guys can’t afford to buy this on their own. One of the most special things for veterans is children, so to have you guys help us like this is really special.”
