Preschool Students Donate Gifts and Candy to Those in Need

Students from Chesterbrook Academy Preschool on Woodshire Drive in Sterling recently partnered with nonprofit organization Operation Gratitude to send care packages filled with candy to military personnel and first responders. Students also collected more than two dozen gifts for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Through this initiative, students learned the importance of giving back to those in need, especially during the holiday season.

Operation Gratitude seeks to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. military and first responder communities and provides volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation. Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 2.1 million care packages to heroes serving overseas and here at home.

Toys for Tots, a 70-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to less fortunate children during each holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by Marines and volunteers offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime.