Knights Times news story

This year for Valentine’s Day, the J. F. Burns Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization is sending care packages to five family members of J. F. Burns students who are currently serving overseas.

Katina Peters, the president of the PTO, said that the idea came about after a similar project in October of last year.

“We donated candy for the troops at Halloween and thought another project after all the holidays would be appreciated,” she said.

This time instead of sending just candy, volunteer put together a variety of items. The list included:

Hand Warmers
Winter Scarves
Chapstick
Microwave Popcorn--all kinds of flavors
Beef Jerky, Meat Sticks,
Summer Sausage
Canned Meats
Snack Foods - such a pretzels, cookies, Twinkies, etc.
Bars - Fruit, Cereal, Energy
Tuna, Chicken Salad in a can with crackers
Trail Mix, Nuts
Gum & candy
Instant Oatmeal
Drink Mix Packets for water
Hot Beverages - Coffee & Tea (+ sugar, creamer);
Instant Cocoa & Cider (boxes of individual packets)
Games, Playing Cards, DVDs
2012 Calendars
Flavor packs for bottles of water (such as the Crystal light lemonade, etc.)
Headphones to hook up to their ipods, computers, etc.
Holiday decorations-Valentine's Day, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, etc.
Pop Tarts

In total, the PTO sent 27 packages overseas and collected enough money to cover all of the $350 shipping costs. Peters said that she hopes to continue the project in the future.

"Because of the interest and success of this project, we are hoping to make this Valentine Care Packages for the troops an annual event," she said, "We also may try to coordinate with other community organizations to raise awareness about this project for next year."

Valentines for our troops

JF Burns PTO sending love overseas

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