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Aztecs Send ‘Temple’ of Care Packages to Soldiers
By Ariana Contreras
Soldiers of the 2nd Squadron, 13th U.S. Cavalry will be receiving an Aztec temple of much-needed items from candy and beef jerky to baby wipes and cotton swabs. The temple, which will be revealed on Tuesday, Sept. 27 in the foyer, will actually be made up of small, black boxes containing care items for men and women serving overseas as part of Operation Spartan Shield.
“We only really help them during the holidays. And I think we should remember them all year, especially because of what they do for our country and our freedom,” said DECA Adviser Erika Lucero, who teamed up with the El Dorado Public Relations Team and Military Liaison Krista Moore to make the idea a reality.
All this week Aztec faculty and students will work together to help send a “temple to soldiers overseas” and spread some happiness to the 2-13, which is stationed in Oman, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
This whole week is about giving back and each teacher is being asked to fill two boxes with the help of students. Anything that’ll help soldiers out is appreciated, whether it’s a small thank you note, candy, or toiletries.
“I think it’s important that we showcase our students, faculty and staff in a positive light,” Lucero said.
DECA Vice President Sarah Molinar has helped to organized the project and promote its importance.
“We tend to take things for granted, but we need to be grateful and help others who need support,” Molinar said. “I’ve been working hard to get the message across.”
Each teacher will be given two boxes that they’ll need to fill up with goodies by Friday morning. The temple, representing the quantity of help being sent overseas, will be revealed on Tuesday to the community and media partners.
“I hope the students realize that we need to help each other,” Lucero said. “Remember a time when somebody helped you and how that made you feel. Remember a time when you were alone and how that made you feel.”
Below is a list of ideal items to turn into teachers for the boxes:
Letters or cards expressing thanks
Hard Candy or Gum
Meal Enhancers like packets of condiments or ramen noodles
Quick Protein like energy bars or beef jerky
Powdered drink mix like hot chocolate, instant coffee or tea
Toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, cotton swabs, shaving lotion, disposable razors, etc.
Reading materials like comics or health magazines
Games like playing cards, UNO cards or crossword puzzles
Writing material like stamps, pens, envelopes and paper
All photos used are courtesy of the Facebook page for the 2-13 and feature soldiers who are working in that unit overseas.