With the help of students at Drums Elementary/Middle School, local military personnel stationed abroad will enjoy a brighter holiday season this year.

Members of the National Junior Honor Society and Student Council at the school have been helping collect items for "Operation: CAN DO," a project of the CAN DO Student Action Committee to collect food, entertainment and hygiene items for servicemen and women.

On Monday, the items the students have collected were gathered and taken to the CAN DO offices in downtown Hazleton. The collection included items such as crossword puzzle books, soap, pens, toothpaste, first aid kits, tissues, trail mix, Ramen noodles and many other items.

"Our National Junior Honor Society and Student Council wanted to bring awareness to all our students about the needs of our troops. Both clubs felt it was important to give back to those that serve. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade collected much-needed items throughout the month of October. We are happy to have the opportunity to work with CAN DO and thank them for their assistance in making this a big success," said Melissa Stauffer, a teacher at the school and NJHS adviser.

CAN DO Chairman Lew Dryfoos said, "We would like to express our appreciation for the community-minded students at Drums Elementary/Middle School, as well as all the people who donated items or money for this important project. It's because of their generosity and dedication to others that this project is in its ninth year."

Students at Freeland Elementary/Middle School, Hazleton Area High School, MMI Preparatory School, Immanuel Christian School and Weatherly Area High School have also collected donations for "Operation: CAN DO" during the past month.

Those items will be added to donations from area businesses and individuals to create care packages that will be sent to troops stationed overseas who have personal ties to Greater Hazleton.

All items will soon be delivered to the American Legion Home Post Association 473 in Freeland. The items will then be placed into care packages and mailed to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

Local residents can still have a care package sent to their family member or friend serving abroad by submitting the name and overseas delivery information to Nancy Stasko at CAN DO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 570-455-1508.

The CAN DO Student Action Committee is involved throughout the year in helping to coordinate several community events such as the annual CAN DO Community Christmas celebration. The committee consists of area high school students who are appointed to serve as non-voting representatives to the CAN DO Board of Directors. CAN DO Director of Administration Nancy Stasko and CAN DO board member Charles Burkhardt, a retired teacher, serve as advisers to the committee.