Publications & Sites 
River Grove School collects for veterans
Updated: December 16, 2012 6:35AM
RIVER GROVE — For the third year, River Grove School is collecting items for soldiers.
This year’s donations will go to the Hines Veterans Hospital. Ten students will deliver the items and visit with veterans.
“We want students to think globally and act locally,” River Grove Assistant Principal Denise Nero said.
Nero and eighth grade teacher Debbie Fitzgerald started this program so students have a better understanding of Veterans Day.
“We don’t want them to forget why they have a day off,” Nero said.
For the next two weeks, each homeroom will collect items such as shaving cream, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaning products, socks and personal care products, crossword puzzles, combs and magazines. Items will be wrapped in red, white and blue paper with silver stars before going to the veterans.
In past years, students have mailed their packages overseas to soldiers. They have even sent them to students’ relatives.
“One afternoon, a young man called me,” Nero said. “He was calling me from overseas and called to thank all of us. It turned out he was on leave, and when he came home, he visited River Grove School.”
The school welcomed the soldier with an assembly.
River Grove clubs have helped mail the packages out.
“The postage has been astronomical,” Nero said. “The Lions Club and the VFW has donated the money to mail the packages.”
