Here in America, toiletries, socks or batteries are available at a moment's notice. Our deployed soldiers, on the other hand, often go without or wait long stretches for such items, as they defend our freedoms.

Thanks to Holy Innocents' students, many soldiers will not have to wait much longer.

On April 29, the Upper School Student Council donated $5,000 to HeroBox, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and sending customized care packages to deployed soldiers. Each year, the student council selects a worthy cause to support and after hearing Pre-School Principal Greg Kaiser, who served in the Navy, speak about his time in the military, their choice became easy.

"HeroBox helps better the daily lives of deployed soldiers who are ensuring the freedom of our daily lives," says senior Jennie Hardin, student council executive board president. "Mr. Kaiser really conveyed the life of a soldier and the loneliness and emptiness they often face. I think his story really hit home with many of us on student council. We wanted to find a way to help, even if it was sending them items that we often take for granted."

Students raised the money by selling homecoming t-shirts and holding a bake sale. "I am ecstatic about the amount of money that student council raised this year for HeroBox. This amount reflects the hard work and commitment of each and every member," says Jennie. "I hope that the money we donate will go towards boxes packed with items that will at least brighten a soldier's day."

Student council advisor Laura Edwards, who hopes the school continues a relationship with HeroBox, applauds the students for their generosity. "It takes a lot of effort and time to do something like this, and I think the student council is very excited about this particular organization."

The school's donation will help to support the myHero program, which allows the general public to "adopt" combat soldiers, says Ryan Housley, executive director of HeroBox. The organization's goal is to adopt every deployed American soldier. "It is truly inspiring that the students have recognized the sacrifice that our brave men and women make in the name of freedom," says Mr. Housley. "As a young non-profit, we feel sometimes as though we are barely hanging on, gathered around the proverbial table waiting for scraps in order to keep our doors open. But every once in awhile, an organization like Holy Innocents' puts an arm around us and we are able to continue supporting American Heroes."

For more information about HeroBox, visit www.herobox.org.