Mars students collect 600 pounds of candy for troops
MARS — Four middle school girls laughed and chatted as they unloaded more than 600 pounds of candy in the lobby of Sechler Law Firm, 183 Scharberry Lane.
They collected the candy Nov. 1 and 2 for the “Sweets for Soldiers” project sponsored by the Mars Area Middle School “Friends of Rachel” organization.
The collaborative effort was the idea of Brooke Franklin and Paige Ditson who are representatives of the “Rachel's Challenge” program and take their roles seriously.
“In September, Mars Area School District introduced students to the 'Rachel's Challenge' program, which works to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion,” explained Josh Schwoebel, director of communications at Mars Area School District.
The group is comprised of girls selected for their character and leadership qualities. They endeavor to do random acts of kindness within their community.
“We wanted to do something special with Halloween candy and discussed it with our science teacher. She helped connect us with the 'Treats for Troops' organization,” said Brooke. “We found Sechler Law Firm was a local collection site,” she added.
The veteran-owned business decided to be a part of Treats for Troops a few weeks before Halloween and offered to be a collection site.
As a veteran, Tim Sechler knows firsthand how important the packages from home can be.
“When I was in Afghanistan I got an entire box full of patriotic artwork from third-graders. I didn't know them and they didn't know me, but it was a morale boost for me and my unit,” he said.
He still has the package at his home.
“We knew the school was partnering with the program, but did not anticipate the 632.8-pound donation,” said Robin Sechler, coordinator of the project for her husband's law firm.
People have been dropping off donations since Halloween.
“The candy will be delivered to a center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where it will be sorted, repackaged and shipped to armed forces around the world,” said Tim Sechler, surveying the bags of sweets in his lobby. Donations are still being accepted.
