In the spirit of the holidays, Ashland University students gathered at Redwood Hall on Tuesday, November 6th to write messages and prepare comfort bags for deployed soldiers who serve away from their families.

AU G.I.V.S organization hosted “Holiday Mail For Heroes” event for the second year.

“Soldiers go through a lot, so we wanted to remember them in the holidays season.”Chad Buckel, co-chairs for the U.S. Service members team, said. “We are hoping to send the messages by Thanksgiving.”

Because soldiers can have different beliefs the students were directed not to mention the holiday, instead, the messages are focusing on showing support and appreciation for the soldiers’ service.

Students worked to write 100 messages and prepare the same number of comfort bags containing some food, sweets, and even laundry detergent and dryer sheets.

“We easily forgot that soldiers need to do some basic things like doing their laundry” Matt Giffin, co-chairs for the U.S. Service members team said.

Students funded the bags.

“Around 20 students donated swipes to buy what is needed for the bag,” Buckel said. “We are very grateful for those generous students that made the event possible.”

“I am doing this because my grandpa was in World War II Veteran” Janet Arnold, Nursing major student said. “From my message, I am hoping that they are going to feel a little bit of hope and joy for the holidays.”

Arnold encourages students to get involve and participate in this activity in case it happens next year.

“It is a great thing to do,” Arnold said. “It makes you feel good to make a difference in someone else’s life.”

AU G.I.V.S is a student-led organization that provides service opportunities throughout the Ashland area and beyond.

To follow AU G.I.V.S on Facebook, visit: www.facebook.com/aucomserve /augivs
moreover, to seek opportunities and join them, visit: www.ashland.edu/augivs