[Editor's note: Cedrianna Page is a journalism student at Ansbach High School.]
ANSBACH, Germany (March 30, 2015) -- Ansbach High School members of Student 2 Student, a student-run organization, traveled to Landstuhl Fisher House in Landstuhl, Germany, March 7 to help wounded Soldiers and their Families.
This first-time event was hosted by S2S to donate much-needed items for Families staying at the Fisher House and represented an opportunity to give back to the disabled American Soldiers' community in Germany.
"This is a good way to help the school get involved and lend a helping hand to the community," said Hannah Shedden, a student and the school's S2S president.
The S2S service project, known as the Fisher House Drive, was a student-based food drive. Students from Ansbach Middle High School donated food and personal items for more than a month. Although this may seem simple, there was a long process behind the scenes. Each member of S2S had a specific job to do and deadlines to meet before going to Landstuhl to deliver the items.
"The students were inspired to do this all by themselves," said Dr. Tricia Surinak, sponsor of the S2S club. "They really wanted to help the military community."
This action shows there is still the caring aspect of humanity even in today's teens, said Surinak.
"The kids really wanted to do something they related to, and it's common for them to see news on TV about wounded Soldiers," said Dr. Deborah Behnke, the S2S sponsor for the middle school.
In many ways, the military lifestyle around the world is similar, even to the students at Ansbach MHS.
"We have helped Soldiers before but this was different because they weren't alone, they had to support their families as well," said Behnke. "We wanted to give them items that could help sustain a home."
"Planning the service project was tedious, but we all felt the trip to the Fisher House was completely worth it," said Amelie Carlisle, S2S vice president.
"It always warms my heart to know that we aren't forgotten," said the wife of a wounded Soldier who was staying at the Fisher House.
Many of the women and Soldiers expressed that they were thankful. The average Family who resides at the Fisher House is ultimately unable to support itself and are in physical and mental distress. The Fisher House is the Family's temporary home and provides its residents in every way it can. Nevertheless, finances often become tight and can hardly stretch far enough: Donations and food drives can then benefit the Fisher House and the military Families living there.
"Giving donations to the families at the Fisher House gave them hope," said Shermaine Nesbitte, S2S member. "It also made us proud to be Americans."
Related Links:
USAG Ansbach official blog site
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