Students Give Socks to Soldiers

U.S. troops in Afghanistan will soon have warmer feet, thanks to the efforts of students at Mira Catalina Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Earlier this month, the school presented a trio of active-duty California National Guard troops and representatives from San Pedro Packages for Patriots. with more than 10 boxes of socks the students collected.

San Pedro Packages for Patriots is an organization that has sent more than 6,650 packages—and more than 40 tons of supplies—to U.S. troops overseas.

"These are the small things that count," Mira Catalina Principal Jeff Keeney said. "Soldiers overseas need the small things."

Mike and Shirley Walker, who run San Pedro Packages for Patriots, also commended the students.

"I cannot do this without the student body behind us," said Mike Walker after listing the organization's accomplishments.

Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Susan Brooks, along with Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Duhovic and Councilman Brian Campbell, presented the Walkers, the school and the guardsmen with certificates and commendations.

After the ceremony, students high-fived the guardsmen—Staff Sgt. Frank Espinoza, Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Castillo and Sgt. 1st Class John Schlag—and asked for their autographs.

Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified San Pedro Packages for Patriots. It has been corrected in the article text.