Students Collect Goods for Local Troops

Members of the National Junior Honor Society at in Attleboro recently organized a special school-wide collection of goods for the benefit of local military personnel and their families.

Called "Hero Challenge," the drive included DCA's nine NJHS members soliciting contributions of essential items for Attleboro and Seekonk military personnel (and their families) who are stationed in the Middle East. They collected candy, stuffed animals, lotion, books, devotionals and Bibles, encouraging notes, stockings, hats, gloves and money from fellow students. 

The students participating in the drive were eighth-graders Jacob Clark, Ashwini Asirwatham, Olivia Phillips, Victoria Iannelli, Dante Pires and Kristen Petagna as well as seventh-graders Sharon Rajadurai, Emily Ferguson and Tara Iannelli.

"The kids came up with this idea and worked very hard to carry it out," said Kim Theroux, DCA's faculty adviser to the NJHS. "It was their way of showing that they care for and appreciate our local soldiers."

Theroux called the drive a huge success. She said the collected items filled approximately 12 shipping boxes and an estimated $700 in cash was also donated. 

"Members of the National Junior Honor Society commit to one community service project every year and this year, it was truly special," Theroux said. "These kids should be commended for their efforts."