Pathway School of Discovery box up supplies to send overseas

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Pathway School of Discovery is reaching out to those who protect and serve our country.

Students collected personal and household items for troops throughout the month of February.  On Tuesday, the group filled sixty boxes with items that will soon be shipped to Afghanistan.

"We are packing food and toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant , shampoo, conditioner, and hand sanitizer," said Matt McClure, who is in the 8th grade at Pathway. 

He and his twin brother, Chris, know what it is like to have a loved on serving overseas.

"We have a cousin who served overseas," said Chris McClure.  "We used to send him care package and its why we wanted to help with the project."

Its the second year for the school project, called "Pathway Cares". 

The McClure brothers and other students don't personally know the soldiers who will receive the packages, but Nancy Aubel, who volunteered on behalf of Blue Star Mothers, does.

"Its hard," said Aubel. "This is our son's third tour."

Aubel is a member of Blue Star Mothers, an organization made up of adults with children who serve in the military. These packages will be going to her son's unit.

"My son is very much looking forward to receiving the packages," said Aubel. "He is going to be gone for quite a while and the guys are just getting there so this will be a nice way to greet them."

Its a win, win for all those involved, said Carol Justice, who is the president of the school's booster club.

"I hope students learn to give through this project," said Justice.  "I want them to know the importance of thanking our troops for having the courage to serve our country."

Blue Star Mothers has a packing center at the Town and Country in Kettering. If you would like to make a donation, there you'll find a drop-box where you can donate non-perishable foods or toiletries to be sent to troops.