Sixth-graders send Christmas to U.S. Marine serving in Iraq

By Elise Franco

The McKinley Elementary pupils want to help the Poland graduate celebrate his Christmas overseas.

POLAND— Matthew Carney is about to get the surprise of his life.

By the first of the year, about 20 boxes will arrive with his name on them — filled with everything from stationery to gum to video games.

Carney, a 2003 Poland Seminary High School graduate, is a U.S. Marine serving in Iraq.

Linda Angelo, sixth-grade teacher at McKinley Elementary, said Carney has no idea the care packages are on their way.

Angelo said she saw Carney’s name listed in The Vindicator’s Operation: Holiday Cheer, and decided to get her pupils involved.

“I came in and put an ad on my Web page and passed out fliers and told the kids,” she said. “We ended up with about 20 boxes of things we sent.”

Angelo said the project began Nov. 25, and most of the boxes were shipped a week later.

She said was surprised her pupils responded so quickly in such a short period of time.

“I was amazed at the generosity of all the kids,” Angelo said. “They didn’t just bring in one thing. They brought bags and boxes of things.”

Bailey Simm, 11, said his classmates brought in so many items for Carney that items were overflowing off the tables and onto the floor.

He said he brought in CDs, paper, pens and pencils.

“It was so he can write letters to his friends and family,” Simm said.

He said he jumped at the opportunity to make Christmas a little better for Carney.

“Doing this shows how we support our community and how we help people who are away from home,” Simm said.

Anthony Morucci, 11, said he was also glad to contribute.

“I’d feel bad if I were away for Christmas,” he said. “I think it’s good to do because Matt’s in Iraq risking his life, and we all know he wants to be home for Christmas.”

Many classmates agreed that just because Carney can’t be home during the holidays doesn’t mean he can’t celebrate.

“We want to show him how much we support our troops,” Christian Nemeth, 11, said. “We want to make sure he has the best Christmas he can.”

Angelo said although the packages probably won’t arrive Christmas Day, they should be in Carney’s hands by the beginning of January.

She said many community members pitched in to ensure every $10.95 package was shipped.

Angelo said she contacted the Air Force Reserve station in Vienna and it offered to sponsor several packages. She said she paid for some, and private community members paid for the rest.

“I hoped for this kind of response,” she said. “I know this is a great and giving community.”

efranco@vindy.com