An effort in Spooner to warm soldiers in Afghanistan is catching the attention of students at Stone Lake Elementary school near Hayward. Joe Cadotte reports.

With the help of Stone Lake Elementary students, more than 500 hand warmers have been collected for soldiers in Afghanistan. Stone Lake Elementary fourth grader Hunter Rhea says he enjoys supporting the troops.

“They’ll be able to put them in their gloves to keep them warm when they’re driving the jeeps. It will really keep them warm I bet. Fighting in the war and making peace.”

Stone Lake Elementary fourth and fifth grade teacher Charity Brabec says collecting hand warmers builds character.

“In think it gives them a greater sense of citizenship, respect, and compassion, for not only people in our community but people in our whole world. It broadens their horizons and their knowledge of cultures of countries. It makes them feel compassion for others.”

Last Christmas Stone Lake Elementary students put together a DVD commemorating the American efforts in Afghanistan. The students sent the DVD to Sergeant Mike Turnipseed who is stationed with the Minnesota National Guard in Mazari Sharif. We spoke with him from Afghanistan.

“In their Christmas program they put together a bunch of photos of family and talked about the sacrifices that military members were making. And they named some of the military members that are associated with kids and the school. It’s touching, it’s a big thing, and it’s pretty cool.”

Turnipseed says hand warmers feel good, especially when desert nights drop below 20 degrees.

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