Whether on this Memorial Day weekend you head to the beach or simply catch up on sleep, you might view these upcoming days as just an extra-long weekend escape from your busy life at school.  However, Memorial Day weekend is more than just a few sunny days at the beach, and the Treats for Troops drive seeks to honor the holiday’s ideals.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, when its purpose was to honor the dead Union and Confederate soldiers of the Civil War, and later became a federal holiday in 1967 to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces who died in service. It is also a day where Americans appreciate and thank those who are currently protecting our country and freedom.  Many of these brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces are overseas and facing danger each day, separated from their loved ones at home.  This is why Lower Merion School District is here to help via Treats for Troops, a Philadelphia organization that boosts morale of soldiers overseas through personal care packages.

Following the tradition of last year, the communities of Bala Cynwyd, Welsh Valley, Harriton and Lower Merion will compete to collect as much supplies as possible for our troops.  The school that amasses the most supplies will receive $500 for their Student Council and win this year’s Treats for Troops trophy, which currently lives in the halls of Harriton, last year’s winner.

Once all of the “treats” are collected at each school, they will be boxed on June 2 and shipped off to our troops. Bring the following items to school no later than May 30 to show your support. You can choose any of the items, even if they are not marked for your grade. Please drop them in the large bin outside the cafeteria that is labeled “Treats for Troops”.

9^th Grade: beef jerky, body lotion, gum, Campbell’s Chunky Chili, shampoo, candy bars, cereal bars, Chef Boyardee Ravioli, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Slim Jims, small packs of tissues, tuna/chicken in a pouch, deodorant, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, earplugs, granola bars

10^th Grade: peanuts, deodorant, peanut butter, mouthwash, microwave popcorn, Tastykakes, salt & pepper, shampoo, Slim Jims, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Tootsie Pops, cotton T-shirts, hand sanitizer, shampoo, Pop Tarts

11^th Grade: dental floss, Slim Jims, foot powder, candy bars, Lipton Instant Soup, shaving cream, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, chapstick, bar soap, Tastykakes, protein bars, Power Bars, tuna/chicken in a pouch, Uncle Ben’s Microwavable Meals, raisins, ramen noodles

12^th Grade: white socks, peanut butter crackers, fruit cocktail, foot powder, Visine, silly string, baby wipes/towelettes, playing cards, Q-Tips, macaroni & cheese, hard candy, insect repellent, lip balm, lollipops, Tastykakes

Not only on Memorial Day, but also every day, remember those who had their lives taken away to protect our country. Take a moment out of your weekend to research fallen soldiers, and bring in one or many items from the list above to support United States troops. Even a small item like a toothbrush can make somebody’s day.