When a class at Shuford Elementary School sent a care package to a serviceman in Iraq last fall, they didn't expect to get anything in return.
Diane Howard's kindergarten class had student teacher Tracy Barrett helping her class diring the fall semester. Barrett's brother-in-law, Miguel Ruiz, was a corporal with the U.S. Marines and serving in Iraq. Howard encouraged her students to bring items in to send a care package to Ruiz, along with notes and drawings.
"I brought him soap," said Reyna Peoples, 6.
Berri Malpica, 5, said she brought candy for the care package that she thought Ruiz would like.
Other items students brought in included toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, snacks, socks and moleskin for their boots.
The class mailed the package in late fall, not expecting anything in return. In December, however, they got a package back from Ruiz. Howard said the class didn't plan to open it until their Christmas party, so their student teacher, Barrett, could be there. However, the class party was delayed until January because of the snow, and so was the opening of Ruiz's package.
Ruiz sent the class a U.S. flag that flew in Iraq, as well as a hand-written note with a photo of himself with a few other Marines.
In the letter, Ruiz thanked the kindergarteners for their prayers and support, saying "each one of you kept my spirits high."
"I was really happy," said Lauren Curtis, 6, about getting Ruiz's package. "I think it's great he sent something."
Howard said she plans to display Ruiz's flag in her classroom, after it hangs in the lobby of Shuford Elementary for a short time.
"It was really special that they did this," Howard said. "It brought tears to my eyes."
She said Ruiz is home on leave right now. Howard said she plans to write a thank you note to him for how much he's done for her class.
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