The Falconer Central School District is making an effort to brighten the holidays for active duty military members who are alumni this season by sending care packages. Pictured, from left, are Kathy Hedstrand, guidance secretary; Seth Tanner, senior classman planning on entering the U.S. Army; Isaac Colgrove, senior classman planning on entering the U.S. Army; and Sarah Wagner, school social worker and U.S. Air Force veteran. P-J photo by Katrina Fuller

FALCONER — The Falconer Central School District is trying to share a little holiday cheer with active duty military members who are alumni this season.

After taking a collection of items from teachers, staff and outside businesses and organizations, Sarah Wagner, school social worker, and other dedicated staff members put together several boxes to be shipped out to former students who are currently serving in the military. Wagner said the project is part of the new Military Outreach Program at the school.

“With support of the community and school staff, we are sending packages to Falconer Central School graduates who are currently serving active duty in the United States military,” she said. “We understand the sacrifice of military service and want to demonstrate our appreciation. These individuals are being provided with extraordinary opportunities and challenges as they serve our great nation.”

Wagner said a primary goal of the project is to send a “small piece of home” to the military members. She said the school is thankful for donations from Harley Davidson, Cummins, Buccolas’ Auto Service, Kallie’s Krusade, Southern Tier Brewery, The American Legion Post 638 and the teachers and staff.

“The success of this project would not be possible without support from the community,” she said. “We have a neat staff here that supports these projects, too.”

Wagner has a special understanding of what the military members are going through — she herself is a veteran of the United States Airforce.

Packages will be sent to the following former students currently serving: Nathan Burnett, Tanner Stimson, Jacob Varner, Caleb Rowan, Nicholas Lamer, Orlo Daniel Bartholomew, Dillon Johnson, Anthony “AJ” DiMaio, Alec Skinner, Tyler Himes, Kyle Blake, Tom Ingrao and Deven Schultz.

For more information on the program, visit www.falconercentralschools .org.