Palatine kids pack gift boxes for hospitalized veterans

Students at Lake Louise School in Palatine were busy last week packing up hundreds of boxes.

In honor of Veterans Day, all the kids helped to ship out 775 care packages to military veterans at a state hospital.

The effort was organized by the District 15 school's PTA and donations to fill up the boxes poured in from local businesses. They were sent to Hines VA Hospital.

Principal Adam Palmer said it was a very positive experience for students and staff.

"The kids really enjoyed it," he said. "Putting the care packages together prompted good discussions about what Veterans Day is all about."

"It was pretty cool because everything we put in was donated," said Charity Geisel, who organized the event.

Those who donated were Northrop Grumman, Jayrose Mortgage, Stark Realty, Langer Printing, Tidbits, Lutheran Home and Palatine Ace Hardware.

Each student made a note or card to go in the packages, which included a pen, lifesavers candy tin, notepad, newsletter, bookmark, flag, magnet, deck of cards, jar opener, letter opener and other items.

"This was definitely a success," said Geisel. "Hopefully we'll do it again next year."