December 7, 2006
Section: B
Page: 5B

Winslow students make holiday gifts for soldiers in Iraq
FRANK HALPERIN
Courier-Post

Courier-Post Staff

At Winslow Township Elementary School No. 1, 26 preschool patriots are on active yuletide duty.

They're making holiday cards and crafts for soldiers in Iraq.

These enterprising youngsters are working at a pace that would rival that of Santa's elves this time of year.

This busy workshop, however, is being supervised by teacher Barbara Grimmie.

Grimmie has taught at the school, which is for children in preschool to second grade, for 13 years. She has organized holiday activities that benefit soldiers abroad for the last five.

"It's rewarding, because the kids love making the decorations and cards for the soldiers," said Grimmie, 60, who lives in the Atco section of Waterford Township.

"They feel good about reaching out to them, and they get excited when they write back," she said of the relationship between students and soldiers.

This year, Grimmie's class "adopted" six soldiers in Iraq through Oceanville-based Hugs From Home, a charitable outreach for deployed soldiers.

Her students write to the soldiers, and they stuff their artwork, along with candy, combs and other donated gifts, into stockings to be mailed to the soldiers.

Personal connection

Grimmie's dedication to the armed forces has a personal connection.

"My dad was in the Navy, so I've always had a soft spot for veterans," said Grimmie, who grew up in Vineland.

As she continues to involve students in holiday drives for the military, she sometimes goes to extremes to make them as enthusiastic about the drives as she is.

"Three years ago, I made a pact with my class that if we collected 100 filled shoe boxes -- (care packages for soldiers abroad) -- by a certain date, I'd go up on the school roof and read a story to them," Grimmie said.

The kids came through. So, with microphone in hand, Grimmie read a tale from the rooftop.
"It was actually a beautiful day in November, so it worked out nicely for all of us," she said.

As her current holiday drive continues in her classroom, two of Grimmie's little helpers took time out to comment on their craft work.

"I like making the cards -- it's fun," said Lucas Russell, 4.

Russell's classmate, Bianca DiVentura, was also enthused about the project.

"We want the soldiers to have a Merry Christmas," the 4-year-old said.

Reach Frank Halperin at (856) 486-2920 or fhalperin@courierpostonline.com.