Operation Backpack Update
By Gaylynn Whinery

Kids helping kids was the slogan we chose last June as we began a Humanitarian project officially known as Operation Backpack.

It all started when the committee met to start planning for our Multicultural Night.  We wanted to teach our students that although there are many cultures in the world people are more alike than different.  We also wanted our students to understand that even at a young age they can make a difference in the lives of others.

So during the weeks preceding the Multicultural Night the students learned about different cultures throughout the world. Then on June 12th the students displayed their projects and with their families participated in various activities throughout the school.  They also entered the courtyard carrying backpacks and bags of school supplies.  With smiles on their faces they donated boxes of crayons, markers, pencils, paper and other school supplies for the children in war-torn Iraq.

It wasn’t hard to get our students to buy into the project.  After showing them the pictures of the Iraq children and of the school they attended the donations came pouring in.  When Louise Mae, a student in my own class saw the pictures of the barefoot children she even wanted to send them shoes!

The Iverson community donated over 55 backpacks and about 20 boxes of school supplies.  These supplies arrived in Iraq about the same time as we began our new school year.  The backpacks along with gifts and other medical supplies were delivered during a late-August mission to the small villages of Harwan and Sahl in Iraq by The 3rd Marine Wing Support Squadron 274. The children’s faces lit up with excitement as they were handed the backpacks.

We, as a staff, are proud to work with such amazing children and their families.  For a full story of the complete mission you can read more at http://www.blackanthem.com/News/U_S_Military_19/MWSS-274-provides-security-essential-services-to-local-villages_printer.shtml
Thank you!