AFTON – National VFW Foundation Grant of over $700, written by auxiliary member and retired Afton teacher Diana Torta, was awarded to the Sidney VFW Auxiliary # 7914 to be used for a service project by Cynthia Covey, a sixth grade teacher at Afton Central School.

50 of Covey's students will be sending care packages to local soldiers overseas. The money will pay for the postage for the packages, and stamps to write pen pal letters to the soldiers, business letters asking for donations—writing paper, tooth bushes, candy, snacks, gift cards, etc. – and thank you letters to businesses that give free items.

The service project is using different forms of authentic letter writing (English Language Arts Standards) and teaching students about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship (Social Studies Standard).