Soldiers in Iraq need more than weapons and armor to survive; they need items that Americans may use everyday and not realize how essential they are, such as sunblock, lip balm, instant oatmeal, energy bars, magazines and chewing gum. In an effort to help these soldiers, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood PTA Council organized Operation Shoebox among the district schools from January 28 to February 23.

"Operation Shoebox New Jersey is an organization that arranges the packing and sending of care packages to soldiers overseas," said Deb Brody, chairperson of the PTA presidents' committee. "I thought that it would be a good project that would bring all the kids together for a common cause."

The PTA Council and presidents' committee invited students to help put the packages together. Collection boxes were placed in all the district schools during the month of February for students to donate the various items.

"Hero Cards," provided by Operation Shoebox New Jersey, were included in the packages from elementary schools, each with a message written by the students.

Both Park and Terrill middle schools hosted a visit from soldiers who had served overseas during the last week of January as well. "The soldiers that were here visiting us told us that it was more meaningful for them to receive packages like these from complete strangers than from their family," said Brody.

High school students showed their support for the project on February 23 when the items were packaged and shipped to the soldiers. "I felt honored to be giving supplies to our troops stationed overseas," said senior Andrew Manns, III.

Famous Dave's in Mountainside donated ten percent of its proceeds during three February evenings to offset the cost of postage, and the A&P in Fanwood also accepted donations from customers at its registers.

The boxes were sent to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Students also had the opportunity to send the boxes to soldiers serving overseas whom they know personally.

Five hundred and twenty boxes were packaged and shipped during the last week of February and first week of March. "This type of effort lets [the soldiers] know that we appreciate them and all their sacrifices," said Brody.