In an effort say thank you to America’s military, Niles’ Eastside Connections students joined forces on Wednesday afternoon.
Fifth-graders from Tammy Tallis’ class came to Brenda Brown’s kindergarten class to help the younger students create Christmas cards that will be sent to members of the U.S. military, veterans and their families. It is all part of the American Red Cross program Holiday Mail for Heroes.
“We want to let them know that we care,” said fifth-grader Kevin Easton. “Not just that someone cares, but that you care because they get the card under their tree.”
Easton’s mother, Kristi, told Tallis about the program.
“I like the idea that our fifth-graders are able to share the experience with the kindergarteners and serve as role models,” Tallis said. “We are building a community in that all our students are in it together.”
The students sat around tables creating the cards in Brown’s class, while Tallis, Brown and Kristi Easton provided support.
“It helps the kindergarteners because they see a higher level of work, so they know what the expectations are when they get into fifth grade,” Brown said.
“Also, it eliminates frustration for the little ones because they have a big buddy that can help spell big words for them. So it is really helpful.”
The handmade cards will be sent to the American Red Cross, which will distribute them to U.S. servicemen and women all over the world.