Students from Douglas MacArthur Elementary School in Greenwood, Ind., presented an $800.00 check to wounded Marine Sgt. Klayton South, Dec. 18th, 2008.
The money was raised by students through a month-long bracelet drive. Their goal is to support Veterans of Valor, a non-profit founded by South to provide resources and services specifically tailored to meet the needs of the more than 30,000 combat wounded veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“This drive came from an outgrowth of Red Ribbon Week,” said Barbara Campbell, a 4th grade teacher at Douglas MacArthur. “Klay came and spoke about making wise choices in the fight against drugs, and since Veterans Day was the next week – we tied the two (ideas) together.”
The money will be used to purchase backpacks for severely wounded veterans. Each backpack is filled with items that have specific therapeutic value. For example, the packs include a new iPod pre-loaded with a variety of music, and audio books written by veterans who have suffered extreme wounds, but have recovered, adapted to the physical, emotional and mental challenges, and thrived.
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