In a show of support for service men and women, Fluvanna Community Church’s “Bible Boot Camp” participants donated an array of goods and a $441 check to Blue Star Mothers on Friday. Pictured are the children who participated in “Bible Boot Camp” along with Susan Rowley, Blue Star Mothers Chapter 4 president, and Gregory Carlson, retired Major of the U.S. Air Force and current director of the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency. P-J photos by Jimmy McCarthy

FLUVANNA — A generous donation is going a long way to support servicemen and women.

Children participating in Fluvanna Community Church’s “Bible Boot Camp” spent the week bringing in items for those who are serving overseas. On Friday, two tables full of goods were donated to Blue Star Mothers along with a $441 check.

Michelle Hamilton, program director, said she began by setting up a round table and telling children they could bring in goods. As the week progressed, she said she ended up having to put out another table with everything that was coming in.

“We wanted to do something since the theme surrounded respecting the country and God,” Hamilton said. “Every child has done their part to benefit our soldiers.”

To express her thanks, Susan Rowley, Blue Star Mothers Chapter 4 president, educated the children about the organization and how goods will be shipped to the men and women overseas. Rowley said all the items collected “means so much.” She said the items will be packed at the Fluvanna Community Church in December.

“Last year, we packed 698 boxes,” Rowley said. “There’s no way we could do any of this by ourselves without our community. It means so much.”

So far this year, Rowley said they’ve sent 1,068 boxes.

Each child walked away with a an American flag and yellow paper ribbon, courtesy of Blue Star Mothers, to show support for the troops.