PHOTOS: Lunch Bags of Love for Soldiers

Rocky Point students in Stacy Iberger’s second-grade class at Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School filled and decorate packages, or Lunch Bags of Love, for soldiers with the help of both parents and local veterans from VFW Post 6249.

This is the sixth year that students have done this. The packages usually go to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan,  butthis year they were sent to soldiers at Fort Polk in Louisiana where soldier Michael Vivona, father of second-grader Alexandra, is stationed. Some of the lunch bags were also sent to the Red Lions, a unit in Louisiana, who recently lost six soldiers in a helicopter crash.

“The students have really learned what this event is about and enjoy taking time out to spread cheer to the troops,” Iberger said.

Students also wrote letters to the soldiers, thanking them for the sacrifices they’ve made on behalf of their country. The paper bags were decorated with hearts and patriotic themes and stuffed with valentine's candy, pencils, soap and other toiletries.

Parents and students donated the items collected for the packages.
After the lunch bags were packed, the students watched a presentation by Private First Class Cervello, a Rocky Point graduate, and Staff Sergeant Dennis Curran. They demonstrated some of the equipment used in the war zone, explained how soldiers eat Ready Meals and showed them helmets from various wartimes and medals won while enlisted.