Spreading Christmas cheer

Students at St. Michael’s School in the city have been working to make Christmas just a little brighter for members of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed overseas.

Instructor Kathy Stokes said the idea evolved from the starting point of knowing some members of the military serving outside of Canada.

Stokes saw a Twitter feed suggesting letters being written to soldiers serving overseas, and with encouragement from Principal Trevor Baker, she sent out an email to school staff asking for participation in a letter writing campaign among students.

Stokes said Christmas is a difficult time for families that are apart at this time of year.

“It’s especially hard for those in the armed forces,” she said.

More than 200 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 would become involved.

“Some were cards. Some did drawings. Some wrote letters,” she said. “Some sent jokes to keep the spirit light at Christmas.”

Stokes said it was ultimately just a good thing to do.

“It was a nice opportunity for our school to recognize people who serve our country and keep us safe,” said Stokes.

The project also fit well with both elements of the school curriculum and the aspect of faith-based learning, said Stokes.

From the perspective of curriculum students do spend time learning how to write a letter, and to properly address an envelope, she said.

The school also had a theme for Advent this year “following the footsteps of Christ”, said Stokes, adding the campaign fit that nicely too.

With the letters and cards written each was put in its own envelope and mailed to Trenton, ON., with the school’s Community Committee covering the postage.

From Trenton they would be put on a military airplane and taken to bases overseas, said Stokes.

Stokes said some students included a return address, so there is some hope soldiers might respond.

“That would be huge,” she said, adding that would be a bonus to sending the letters as a selfless act.