Schools show support of troops

Area schools are finding their own way to show support of the military.

Sutro Elementary School in Dayton collected supplies to send to Iraq, Carson Middle School students donated postage money for Red Cross care packages and students at Eagle Valley Middle School made a banner for display.

Fifth-grade teacher Leslie Peters organized the drive at Sutro Elementary School after learning many students and teachers had friends and loved ones serving in the military.

"A lot of them were really concerned about what was going on," she said. "This was a good way for them to do something positive."

For Kenny Mullins, 9, the reasons for donating were obvious.

"They really need it," he said. "They don't have like shopping malls and stuff to go buy it."

Jessie Holmes, 10, dedicated her extra time to help her teacher organize the packages.

"Me and Ms. Peters organized soap and toothpaste into boxes, then everything else into boxes," she explained.

Students from Carson Middle School may help the care packages get to the troops.

Social studies teacher Jean Spell organized a fund-raiser to help the Red Cross pay shipping costs.

"We'd been talking about the soldiers and the kids wanted to do something," Spell said. "They were the ones who suggested we do something to show their support of the troops. They were really excited about this."

The students brought in more than $500.

Eagle Valley Middle School students are displaying their support in the front entrance of their school.

Julie Reid, a social studies teacher, decided to create a banner with the names of family members and loved ones serving in the armed forces.

Fast Signs agreed to make the banner at a reduced cost.

She expected to have about 60 names but collected 180.

"They're very proud of the people who are serving but at the same time they're pretty nervous," she said. "It was just something to show support."