Volunteers made care packages and wrote letters to US troops who are currently overseas during an event on Tuesday hosted by UH’s Metroplitan Volunteer Program.
“This is the first time the event has been held, but I would like to do it at least once a semester,” said Jeremy Rollings, biology senior and event coordinator.
There were countless food items and toiletries donated by students at UH, and much more donated by MVP itself.
“Half of the care packages are going to a unit out in Alaska and the other half is going overseas,” Rollings said. “All the letters written will be going to the unit in Alaska as well. My brother is stationed there.”
Rollings knows first hand how tough it can be for families to send things, especially overseas.
“I wanted to give back, especially to those troops that really don’t have family,” Rollings said.
“It’s not about whether they can afford the stuff on their own because they probably could, it’s about giving back and showing we care and appreciate the work that they do.”
Overall, the outcome of volunteers and packaging was a great success, with 26 boxes and 112 letters collected and packaged, according to MVP.
“It’s important to show our appreciation, to show how grateful we are,” said Angelica Waller, communications junior.
MVP will give students another opportunity to help pack care packages and write letters for troops on March 31.
For more information, visit www.uh.edu/mvp/mvp.