New Kent Middle School eighth grade trio spearheads care package project for soldiers

New Kent eighth graders (l to r) Kylie Cargill, Madison Rowe, and Shayla Forrest are leading the charge to send care packages to U.S. troops overseas.

Andre' Jones photo

Taking the initiative to do something is a trait a person develops over time. But for three young ladies at New Kent Middle School, initiative has led them to orchestrate a huge project to support U.S. troops overseas, and they are seeking assistance from the community.

Kylie Cargill, Shayla Forrest, and Madison Rowe, all eighth graders at the school, are spearheading a project to prepare care packages for military personnel stationed overseas. All three girls are part of the school’s Random Acts of Kindness Club.

“The idea started after we watched a video in Mr. [Kenneth] Otey’s class,” said Kylie. “We got together and wanted to learn more about the Adopt-a-Soldier program after Mr. Otey told us he was in the military.”

But the trio didn’t stop at the simple idea of just adopting a single soldier. They wanted to take the concept to another level.

“We got together and came up with an idea to orchestrate groups and teams within the school to see if we can get it going,” said Madison.

Those teams actually are the homerooms on each grade level in the school. Plans call for awarding an ice cream social to the homeroom contributing the most.

“But we didn’t want the concept to stay in just the school,” chimed in Shayla. “We wanted to get it out to the community and to other counties to get them involved.”

The idea was brought to the attention of middle school principal Sammy Fudge. It was no doubt that he wanted to get the public involved.

“This is a big undertaking for the girls and I know they can handle it,” Fudge said. “That’s why I wanted to reach out and get the community involved.”

After receiving the blessing of both Otey and Fudge, the girls began undertaking the task of gaining exposure. Flyers, banners, and even posts on the school website were part of communication tactics. But the trio knew they needed another outlet to spread the word. They contacted the Chronicle.

“We know realistically that not all students would take home the flyers and get involved despite the number of attempts to bribe them with an ice cream social,” said Shayla, drawing laughter from the other girls. “This project means a lot to us and it is close to our hearts.”

Each young lady confirmed they have family in the military. Individually, they have started to make their own packages for them. Now the ladies are asking for items to send to other soldiers who are also missing home.

“We can only do the small things to make them feel better,” Kylie said.

“To them, the small things count,” added Madison.

“We can’t really do much for them while they are out there, but we wanted to show them that we care,” Shayla commented.

Items that the community can contribute for the gift packages include non-perishable items, toiletries, blankets, games, and books. The group is also accepting monetary donations that will be used to purchase the aforementioned items.

The girls have prepared a morning announcement that is read daily over the school’s intercom system and aimed at reaching fellow students. In the body of the text is the theme of their mission, which the trio blurted in unison: “You can be the reason for a soldier’s smile.”

At the conclusion of the interview, the trio made one last plea for community support.

“Please help, even if it’s a little thing, even one item,” said Shayla.

Donations are currently being accepted until May 22. Items and monetary donations may be taken to New Kent Middle School’s main office.