On Nov. 10, National Honors Society (NHS) held a service project for the club members called, “Operation Gratitude.” Operation Gratitude is a nationwide organization that donates care packages to soldiers. The organization was established in 2003 and has sent more than 1.5 million care packages overseas. NHS has been involved in the organization for more than 4 years.

This year, seniors Thomas Shields and Arcadia Eckmayer were in charge of the event. Each year, the club leadership plans the project near Veteran’s Day to pay respect to those that have served for the nation.

“When you just do the project you don’t really see how much actually goes into making the care packages as hassle-free and impactful for the soldiers as possible,” Shields said.

Each care package included five items. Students brought supplies like toothpaste, tooth brushes, Q-tips, and deodorant. In addition, all club members wrote letters of appreciation to active soldiers.

Junior Aristotle Bougas found that writing letters to the soldiers was the most significant aspect of the whole process.

“It was like a piece of you, and your voice was being heard and you were able to support [the soldiers] in a deeper way than just giving them stuff,” Bougas said. “I wrote words of encouragement for what they were fighting for and told them that I hope they come home soon and safe.”

More than 125 NHS club members participated this year.