the blythewood leader

•Coolers
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use of her store as a meeting place for
us to form an assembly line. Linda Kay
brought her granddaughter, Kalyn, and
she was so excited to be participating.
She worked right alongside everyone,
helping out wherever she was needed.
When it came time to go to lunch, she
didn’t want to stop. It was exciting to
see a child so devoted to volunteering
for our soldiers.”
Kalyn wasn’t the only child
assisting in the creation of the neck
coolers. The Career Awareness class
at Blythewood Middle School also
eagerly participated in producing 238
of the ties. The students formed an
assembly line in the classroom, and
began sewing the neck coolers. “It was
a great way to show the students what
it is like to work in a factory,” said Lori
Stepp, teacher. “But this really gave
the students a purpose: they knew that
the neck coolers were being sent to
our soldiers in Afghanistan. Each neck
cooler is placed in a zip-loc bag with a
note to the soldiers. So, in a way, this
project also tied in well with social
studies and language arts curriculum
standards. The students became pen
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Kalyn holds a neck tie she assisted
in making.
pals with a soldier in Afghanistan,
and have been learning about causes
and effects of world conflicts in the
twentieth century.
The children who participated in the
HUGS project received a certificate
signed by Senators Joel Lourie and
John Scott. “They felt proud,” said
Stepp. “Now they’re anxious to make
more neck coolers.”
“Hearing back from the soldiers,”
said Royson, “is rewarding in itself.
Joan and Butch Richardson received
an email from one of the recipients
that read: ‘I received your “hug” in
the mail today. Thank you so much for
supporting us. I am brand new here in
Afghanistan and a little bit nervous.
Our mission involves going outside
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Jordan Brannon (left) and Rodney
Crawford (center) model neck ties
while April Hilton (right) holds a
completed neck tie.
the wire every day. I’m sure since the
troops are receiving positive support
from people like you, our morale,
and thus our chances of coming back
in one piece will be much improved.
Thanks again, Lt Col.’”
Although Memorial Day
commemorates those who died for our
freedom, it is also necessary to remember
those who are currently fighting for our
freedom. Blythewood Middle School is
accepting monetary donations to assist
in the making of more neck coolers. For
more information, contact Lee Powell
at 803-691-6850. Donations may also
be made on the HUGS website at www.
thehugsproject.com.
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The Blythewood Leader • May 21, 2009 •
Page 11