Northside students show the meaning of giving

Northside Early Learning Center capped off its Friendship Festival with a Sweetheart Pancake breakfast on Thursday.

At the fifth annual Friendship Festival on Jan. 16, students made cards for the military and the residents at The Homestead. The students and parents also brought in 50 pounds of candy and other items to send overseas to the military.

NELC has been sending care packages to the troops for two years. The first year they were able to send more than 15 packages to various members of the armed services. A past recipient of a care package received the Bronze Star for his heroic effort in Afghanistan. Also a few other members were wounded and received the Purple Heart for serving their country.

Last year when the troops returned from a long mission they were greeted with care packages from NELC. The soldiers said it was great to open them, and have some letters to read and treats to eat.

“These care packages are a great way for the whole school to come together and remember our men and women that are overseas,” said Principal Gregg Malkovich.

Kindergarten teacher Jenny Young was equally impressed.

“I think this is a great way for the students at Northside to learn about sharing and giving back to others,” Young said.

This year Northside sent over 25 packages to personnel overseas, and also sent individual care packages to the Walter Reid Medical Center in Washington D.C. Soldiers will receive a card and a little care package when they enter their room.