6th Grade Class Walks for Wounded Warrior Project
EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. (Sept. 6, 2017) – Raising awareness at the local level can make a big difference for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). That support allows WWP to provide its programs free of charge to the warriors it serves. And that support comes from individual supporters, corporate partners, and even groups of students. Recently, the entire 6th grade class of Arrowhead Elementary School showed its support for WWP.
“Our grade level teachers talked about doing an annual fundraiser, and we decided we wanted to help military personnel because of the sacrifices they have made for our country,” said Dan Walsh, one of the 6th grade teachers. “As we researched, we were impressed with Wounded Warrior Project and their mission. We knew that was who we wanted to support.”
Dan’s father and father-in-law both served in the Navy, with his father-in-law serving during World War II. While they were never able to directly benefit from the programs and services that WWP offers, Dan saw a chance to show how it benefits others.
“One of the great parts of this event is helping students and even adults realize these warriors are people just like us,” Dan said. “Strip away the uniform, their training, and you begin to see they have families, friends, and lives. The big difference is these military people were willing to sacrifice all of it for our country. It is a great moment when kids realize this and become motivated to help. Our school feels like we are making a difference, and that is highly rewarding. We hope it helps Wounded Warrior Project in turn.”
Arrowhead Elementary’s fundraiser was called “Walk 4 Warriors.” Students created flyers to educate people about how WWP serves warriors and gather donations from interested supporters.
“Some students also organized bake sales, lemonade stands, and other opportunities to raise money,” Dan said. “The entire school helped by buying bracelets, car magnets, stickers, and making donations the day before the walk. On the day of the walk, the entire school wore red, white, and blue. We also decorated the front of the school with a large banner, Wounded Warrior Project supporter banners, and stars of greatness. The kids made the stars for family members who have served in the military.”
During the event, the entire school came together, and the local parent-teacher administration provided lunch and water for the walkers.
“It was a great display of support for those who have served,” Dan said. “We are proud to support this organization and the people it serves, and we look forward to another successful walk in 2018.”
Students of any age can support WWP through the Student Ambassadors program. To learn more, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/give-back/students. And to learn about how that support funds WWP’s programs and services that connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Contact: Mattison Brooks – Public Relations
Email: mbrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.451.5590