Students donate time and efforts to Missouri Veterans Home - KOAM TV 7

Students donate time and efforts to Missouri Veterans Home

Sixth grade students from Mount Vernon Middle School today donated their time and efforts to the Missouri Veterans Home.  And it wasn't just the donated goods the veterans were thankful for.  The veterans told us they appreciated being recognized for their services by the younger generation.

"I think they done a wonderful thing there, I really do because some of the guys here can't afford it and it would be nice to get those gifts, and the kids, they are talkative, that's for sure," says veteran Ray Bellman.

The sixth graders gathered more than 2,000 personal care items like toothpaste and shampoo.

For veteran Richard "Dick" Lee, the donations are much appreciated but even better is time spent with the students.

"I think it's wonderful, I think they are just terrific," Lee says.  "They are the future of our country.  So happy to see everybody."

Students agree that was also the best part of the day, visiting with veterans, asking questions and hearing stories of strength and courage.

"I didn't think it would be like quite what they were describing and it was just pretty cool how we can know what they were doing and everything that they did for us ," says student Ty Boswell.

"It makes you proud because we have been studying World War II and we studied World War I previous to that and it just makes me proud that they realize what these people have done for us and our country," says Mount Vernon Middle School teacher Leah Clark.

Students were able to leave with a sense of fulfillment, knowing they have also made a difference in some veterans lives.

"It makes me feel really good and I can't stop smiling about it," says student Celia Davidson.

Mount Vernon's sixth grade class plans to give back to the Missouri Veterans Home again next year.