Elementary Students Offer Gifts to Local Veterans

*Members of the American Legion Post 236 accept donations given by local elementary students by teachers Ashley Lohman and Linda Haskell-Sherman (photo by S Jason Cole).*

Cornerstone Elementary classes of Linda Haskell-Sherman, Ashley Lohman, and Abbie Gear delivered gifts to local veterans on Thursday, December 8, 2022. In a presentation at the American Legion Post 236, hand-decorated bags filled with homemade cards, crafts, socks, candy, and chocolate were given to the post members.

Kindergarten Teacher Linda Haskell-Sherman began the drive last year to assure that no local veteran would feel unwanted this Christmas. Her father’s service in the Korean War is what drives Linda’s passion for vets. She said, “They go to war for us and somehow seem forgotten. I believe our veterans deserve more time to shine and support from the community.” This is the second year Haskell-Sherman has spearheaded the event, after learning about it last year Lohman and Gear asked if they could have their classes participate too. Haskell-Sherman says she plans to keep up the effort and hopes even more community members will join in next year. “I have a passion for helping veterans because of my father, but just imagine the impact we could have as a community if everyone took the time to support a group of people they feel passionately about,” she said.