Elementary Pupils Craft Cards for CG

PETERSBURG – Students in third and fourth grade and teachers at Upper Township Elementary School have a special place in their hearts for Coast Guard recruits in Cape May who will not be home for Christmas this year.
Teachers Liz Canderan, Amy Schiavone and Amy Holmes have combined to ensure that their students learn to give, as well as receive this holiday season by writing Christmas messages to Coast Guard members at Training Center Cape May that help defend our country all year long, including Christmas Day.
Third grade teacher Amy Holmes told the Herald that last year a parent asked her if her class might write individual letters to these recruits who are training so far from home at this time of year to lift their spirits a little. Her students wrote letters to last year’s recruits; this activity was such a success that a new tradition has been created that enriched both students and Coast Guardsmen.
“This is my second year with my class,” said Holmes, who related that when she explained to her kids that these recruits would not be with their families at Christmas this year. “The expressions on their faces were priceless.” She said that the children could not imagine being away from home for the holidays and they immediately focused on writing their letters to each recruit, adding some holiday artwork for good measure.
Holmes stated that each child learned a little about the recruit such as their hometown, and wrote their letters based on what they had learned about their particular Coast Guard recruit. The students also went home to their parents with excited descriptions of their recruits that created a warm atmosphere for the entire family.
According to Holmes, her students also received a great gift from this activity. “This activity is not just about the recruits, because each child took pride and satisfaction in being able to make a difference in someone else’s’ life” by giving of themselves to write to Coast Guardsmen and women in Cape May.
Each child devised their own message but most letters touched on their hope that Santa would be able to find them even though they are not at home this year, and thanking them for making the sacrifices necessary to defend our country.
As for the recruits, the letters are delivered before Christmas and each recruit will receive their letter from their student. Recruit company members typically gather around to enjoy their own letters and share their letters with their shipmates.
Holmes mentioned that their class theme for this December is “Peace on Earth, Joy and Love regardless of what faith you belong to,” and it seems clear that the Coast Guard recruits, the school teachers and especially their young students have learned and lived the true meaning of that theme this holiday season.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.