Loyola commits to supporting Iraqi children & U.S. troops
Dan Corrigan
Issue date: 12/11/07 Section: News
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The project is being spearheaded largely by junior class rresident Geoff Browning, who was also involved with the project two years ago. "When I looked at the pictures [sent by Lt. Johnson and Surood] it definitely had an impact on me. When you look at the kids you see that they're little kids just like anywhere else, and you just see the looks on their faces. When we were younger we were afraid of thunderstorms. [...] But these kids have cluster bombs, and violence, and killing, and it's crazy how much their lives have been disrupted."
Earlier this year, Browning contacted the ROTC program to obtain the list of Loyola grads from the classes of 2003 through 2007 stationed in Iraq. From there, he e-mailed them to obtain their contact information so that care packages could be sent. Browning got in touch with Lt. Johnson through the intervention of Junior Ryan Johnson, the Lieutenant's younger brother.
The soldiers will receive basic items in their care packages: comfort foods and personal hygiene items. The packages for students will contain basics like notebooks, pens, pencils, and art supplies. The SGA hopes to have the custom forms filled out and the packages mailed by Tuesday, Dec. 11, so that they will arrive in time for Christmas.
The SGA has already received the thanks of some soldiers in advance of the fact. First Army Lieutenant Ryan Corcoran, class of '05, wrote, "I know it takes a lot to start a drive and motivate others to do something they normally wouldn't do on their own. Because of ppl like you, it makes it worth it for the soldiers, myself included, to be doing what we are doing. It's always nice to know you are not forgotten back home. Thanks again."
"This is something that we're absolutely going to continue. There's no shortage of need around the world, and there's no shortage of opportunities to help here at home in a very real, tangible, material way," said Browning.
The SGA will continue accepting donations through the end of the week in the Student Activities office..
Earlier this year, Browning contacted the ROTC program to obtain the list of Loyola grads from the classes of 2003 through 2007 stationed in Iraq. From there, he e-mailed them to obtain their contact information so that care packages could be sent. Browning got in touch with Lt. Johnson through the intervention of Junior Ryan Johnson, the Lieutenant's younger brother.
The soldiers will receive basic items in their care packages: comfort foods and personal hygiene items. The packages for students will contain basics like notebooks, pens, pencils, and art supplies. The SGA hopes to have the custom forms filled out and the packages mailed by Tuesday, Dec. 11, so that they will arrive in time for Christmas.
The SGA has already received the thanks of some soldiers in advance of the fact. First Army Lieutenant Ryan Corcoran, class of '05, wrote, "I know it takes a lot to start a drive and motivate others to do something they normally wouldn't do on their own. Because of ppl like you, it makes it worth it for the soldiers, myself included, to be doing what we are doing. It's always nice to know you are not forgotten back home. Thanks again."
"This is something that we're absolutely going to continue. There's no shortage of need around the world, and there's no shortage of opportunities to help here at home in a very real, tangible, material way," said Browning.
The SGA will continue accepting donations through the end of the week in the Student Activities office..
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