For the second year in a row, staff and students at OLHMS are donating their extra Halloween candy to a good cause. Jacky’s Soldiers was founded in 2003 by Jacky Connelly who wanted to send care packages to soldiers overseas. The care packages provided these soldiers with items such as deodorant, protein powder, books, and DVDs.
OLHMS teacher, Mrs. Kate Ryan, wanted to support Jacky’s Soldiers and thought donating extra Halloween candy would be a fun surprise for the soldiers overseas.
Mrs. Kate Ryan, Global Studies teacher, shared, “A few years ago I was looking to do something with all our extra Halloween Candy. I had already been in touch with our local VFW for the Patriot's Pen writing contest, and happened to mention it to them. They said they would be willing to collect it and pass it along to a woman named Jacky that had an organization. The following year, I contacted Jacky directly and learned more about her organization. She started an organization called "Jacky's Soldiers" in 2003 because she was so inspired with how her mom sent her dad a letter everyday he was away at WWII. Last year we collected and packaged 1,100lbs of candy to ship to active military overseas. It's so important to me for our soldiers to know we haven't forgotten about them, and appreciate all they do for us.”
OLHMS is proud to support Jacky’s Soldiers and all those who are serving overseas.
Current donations are placed in the OLHMS teacher's lounge.
Photo from the 2021-22 school year collection.