AFTON - Annually, Cindy Covey, an instructor at the Afton Central School, has been teaching her sixth grade students the art of letter writing as a class service project. The students correspond with service men and women stationed overseas.

Each year the 11-12 year old students “adopt” a service personnel pen pal. Then, they write three to four uplifting letters, back and forth, and eventually send a care package. Receiving a letter that thanks them for their service, commitment, and bravery serves to put a smile on the recipient’s face and it’s very rewarding for the students.

The feedback from the troops is that while a care package is great, they cherish the personal letters of appreciation most of all.