This year marks the 7th year Mrs. Sumner’s 3rd grade class celebrates the Advent Season by giving back and packing boxes for active soldiers in the Middle East. Our Lady of the Lakes will be joining forces with the Desert Angels in hopes of making a soldier overseas smile. It is important to remember those that are sacrificing for our freedom, especially during the holiday season.

Desert Angels is a local nonprofit organization that started in 2001. Care packages are called “Miracle Boxes” in honor of Joseph Miracle, an Our Lady of the Lakes Parishioner and soldier who gave his life defending his unit. These boxes contain items not provided by the U.S. government to soldiers.

This year we are also collecting for our K9 soldiers! “I’m excited to help the K9 soldiers because they help keep people safe. We are giving them supplies and new dog toys,” says Vivienne, 3rd grader at Our Lady of the Lakes School.

Our students have also been working hard to makes sure each and every box is filled with a whole lot of love for our soldiers! Their goal is to write 1,000 letters between now and the packing party.

As another 3rd grade student, Emmy puts it “our class loves to give!” and if you would like to help them there’s still time to donate! Items will be collected up until the Packing Party on Thursday, December 20. Click here for a list of items to donate. Donations are also needed to help pay for shipping (each box costs $17.00 to ship). Donations can be dropped off at the school or Parish Office.