Since 2004, Neary School students have collected Halloween candy, which was then sent to soldiers stationed all over the world, donated to local food pantries, and, for the last five years, donated the majority of the collected candy to a local group, Rise Above.  

This year, we are back to donating candy to US soldiers. We will be sending candy to several former Neary students who themselves participated in this collection when they were fourth and fifth graders, as well as the father of a current Neary fourth grader. Candy will be sent to Rick Scott, a former Neary student. Rick is the commanding officer of the USCGC Earl Cunningham stationed off the coast of Kodiak, Alaska. We will be sending candy to Evangelos Baltas, a former Neary student and the brother of a current fifth grader. He and his wife are in the Navy. We will be sending candy to Drew MackNair, the father of a current fourth grader, who is currently stationed in Europe. Finally, we will be sharing the candy with U.S. Marine Captain Jack McLaughlin, who is stationed in San Diego, California, and is a friend of Mrs. Valenti. If you know of any soldier who would like to receive candy, please contact Mrs. Turieo (jturieo@nsboro.k12.ma.us).  If you would like to help with the postage, we would appreciate your help. Please send in money with your child.

There will be collection boxes outside of Mrs. Turieo’s room (Room 2) for candy donations from Monday, November 3rd, through Friday, November 7th. Children who want to participate can bring the candy to school and place it in the box themselves. For storage reasons, please send only prepackaged candy. We will be mailing out the packages the following week.

The response from the students each year has been fantastic. Most of the children anticipate Halloween so eagerly. Although we do collect food items throughout the year, giving a small amount of their own candy makes the donation even more personal for the children.

Thank you for your support.