Students Send Care Packages to Former Classmate

This year, sending care packages overseas to the troops took on a whole new meaning for the students at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School (RFHRHS).

That's because this year's packages are being sent to a former classmate and graduate of the high shool, Sean R. MacDonald. A graduate of the class of 2008, MacDonald is a machine gunner in the U.S. Marines. He and his platoon were deployed to Afghanistan last week. Yesterday, students prepared the packages to send to their former classmate and his platoon.

This year was emotional for some. Many of the dozen students who packaged the items knew MacDonald. His girlfriend, Alexandra Giaimo is an R-FH alum and a junior at Syracuse University. She said she misses him,  "It's really hard."

As for the care packages headed MacDonald's way, Giaimo said, "I think when he finds out it's from his alma mater, it will make him feel good."

Indeed, it may make any soldier feel good knowing that the people at home are thinking of him. And for MacDonald, a former football player for the school, another surprise is heading his way. Two footballs, from Football Coach Shane Fallon, were signed and wrapped up for shipping. One read, "Sean—So Proud of You. Go Dawgs—Coach Fallon." Another simply read, "44," MacDonald's football jersey number.

Students who were part of the club, Character Education, spearheaded the drive and facilitated the collection of the items, packaging, and shipping. They send care packages to troops every year. Chrissy Camp, school counselor and co-advisor to Character Education, said, "It's more heartfelt this year because it's giving to a former R-FH student and his platoon."

The club had help with the project from others as well. Camp also said that the football team and their mothers were able to gather even more items to send over to Afghanistan to MacDonald. The postage for the packages also was a nice surprise this year. According to Camp, an anonymous donor offered to pay for the postage.

One football player said he was there helping with the packages because of his sister, Alexandra. "She is having a tough time with him going away," Nico Giaimo said.

Another student, Colin Kreutzberg, a junior, is a member of the club. He said he knew Sean and packaging the items for overseas shipment to him was important.

The packages were filled with toiletries, such as toothbrushes, shaving cream and deodorant, and snacks, such as Rice Krispie treats, Trail Mix, Top Ramen Noodles, cereal and gum. There were also a few toys including Frisbees, tennis balls, baseballs, and UNO cards. Some DVDs were headed the soldiers' way, too.

But the most important gift, not wrapped in the packages, may be the fact that students of his former high school remembered MacDonald and his platoon. Their well wishes and gratitude are headed his way from his hometown, while he is a long way from home.