Local class sends packages to soldiers in Iraq

WILMINGTON — A local sixth grade class is finding a unique way to show support for our soldiers in Iraq and it involves a needle and thread.

Soon soldiers in Iraq will be receiving a different kind of care package. Inside will be neck ties with a purpose made by students at Myrtle Grove Middle School.

Math teacher Suzan Perry said, “The idea is that you wear them around your neck so it cools you off, so we’re making one for soldiers, each for a unit and we’re going to send letters with them.”

Perry says there is an educational benefit to her sixth grade class helping the troops oversees. “I want them to feel like they’ve done something good for someone else, and too I want them to learn that math, science and English are all connected.”

The neck ties the students made contain unique crystals that cool when wet. The students are learning about volume in science class and measuring cloth in math. They’re also getting a lesson in sewing.

“They love it,” Perry said. “I’ve had several kids that have said I can’t sew, I can’t do this, it’s too hard. By the end of it they were making their second or their third one and really proud of themselves.”

Myrtle Grove student Sean Parker said, “I feel good because we’re helping soldiers.”

Myrtle Grove student Layne Pierce said, “I feel proud that we’re making them for the US soldiers”

Student Emilie Scarbro said she has a special connection when it comes to helping soldiers. “I know how they feel because my grandfather was in the army, World War II, and he died from heat stroke.”

By the end of the project over 100 neck ties will be shipped to the troops.

The students hope to get their ties to Iraq in time for Veteran’s Day. Next month they will also have a chance to speak with an Iraq veteran about his time in the service.