GRAND BLANC, Mich. -- Judy Miracle, a member of the Linden-based nonprofit Desert Angel, held back tears as she spoke about her son, Joseph Miracle.
Joseph Miracle was killed on July 5, 2007, just 35 days after joining the military in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was patrolling in a village in the Watapor Valley when his unit came under fire. He gave his life defending his unit.
His sacrifice inspired his mother to join Desert Angel, which sends care packages -- known as "miracle boxes" -- to American troops overseas. For her, each box is a tribute to her son and a reminder to soldiers that they have not been forgotten.
The students and staff at Myers Elementary in Grand Blanc, Mich., are contributing to those miracle boxes with a program called "Treats for Troops," now in its third year at the school. During a recent visit to Myers Elementary, Miracle shared her story with students and joined them in packing 1,100 bags of Halloween candy with handwritten notes for U.S. service members.
"It's about educating these kids firsthand on what civic responsibilities are at a young age," said Miracle, a retired teacher from the Clarkston school district. "At a young age, they're so receptive to anything you say."
Second-grade teacher Heidi Hawley was instrumental in getting the school involved in the effort.
"I want the kids to understand the value of giving to others," Hawley said.
On Wednesday, first- and second-grade students worked together to fill the packages, which will be sent to service members stationed overseas. The partnership with Desert Angel not only spreads joy to deployed military personnel but also instills values of bravery, gratitude, and community service in the young students, organizers said.
According to school officials, "Treats for Troops" is also deeply tied to the school's curriculum. It incorporates social studies lessons about civic responsibility, patriotism, and the role of the military in society. Students reflect on these themes while participating in the project, embodying the Positivity Project's character traits such as gratitude and the #OtherPeopleMatter mindset.
Memphis Titus, a 7-year-old second-grader who gave his candy to the cause, said his "Grandpa Mark" was in the military.
"I donated all of my Halloween candy because I know I'm not really going to eat it," Titus said. "They need it more than me. It makes me feel happy."
Reflecting on her son's death, Miracle said this event "brings back my little boy."
Joseph Miracle was well-liked and a former high school football captain at Brandon High School who loved playing with G.I. Joe toys as a child, his mother recalled.
"Having these boxes named after him, his name never gets forgotten," Miracle said.
'Desert Angel'
Louise Blaine founded the nonprofit Desert Angel in 2001 after 9/11.
She started by sending boxes to her best friend's son, Charles Lunsford, who was stationed in Iraq's desert. Her care packages earned her the nickname "Desert Angel."
Blaine said she wants the young students at Myers Elementary to understand one important thing.
"Patriotism," Blaine said. "Teach them to have respect for our country and for our men and women that serve to protect all of our freedoms."
The project promises to not only brighten the days of deployed troops but to instill lifelong values of service and kindness in the students.