Read To Salute

During the month of March, students from Merrimac Elementary School in Holbrook, created a project entitled, “Read to Salute.” This idea is tied into their reading program, which requires the children to read on their own, or be read to, in order to meet a school-wide goal of 157,000 minutes of reading during the month. Students Matthew R., Nicholas D., Cate H., Alyssa K., and Gianna C. came up with an idea, connecting the reading goals, while collecting food, toiletries, and other items to send to soldiers overseas. By meeting their goals, some children earned a chance to write messages for the troops, while others helped assemble the care packages. In addition, the program leaders created a donation chart, in which specific grade levels were responsible for bringing in certain items to fill the care packages.

Ava L. commented, “This project inspired me because the soldiers do a lot for our country and I felt like the “Read To Salute” program was a good way to return the favor by donating different types of things.” The students assembled 11 care packages for the soldiers with a variety of items including: toothpaste, batteries, candy, cards and letters and so much more. Alyssa K., a project leader noted, “It makes me feel proud of myself knowing I made a huge difference to some very special people.”