Plymouth State University

PSU Students Provide Aid Packages to Troops

“Mistletoe over Baghdad” Ships Items to Iraq

Imagine being a young U.S. soldier, waking up Christmas morning in war-torn Iraq. The hot sun, wind-blown sand and perilous nature of military duty in a combat zone is a far cry from being with loved ones and New England’s snowy mountains.

For dozens of soldiers, though, Christmas was a little merrier, thanks to Plymouth State University’s Student Senate and dozens of campus and community volunteers. Nearly 70 boxes filled with desperately needed items were sent to Iraq in mid-December after the Student Senate purchased, packaged and shipped thousands of dollars worth of aid packages in an effort known as “Mistletoe over Baghdad.”

Spearheaded by members Peter Laufenberg and Jeremy Foskitt, the Student Senate voted Dec. 4 to spend $5,000 on items like toiletries, underwear, non-perishable food and magazines. PSU students then purchased and packaged the items, preparing them to be shipped to Iraq before Christmas. Recipients included former PSU students and other active-duty military personnel from New Hampshire.

“Peter and I both wanted to do something personal for our troops,” said Foskitt. “We really wanted to organize care packages to bring some holiday spirit to our servicemen and women. It’s the right thing to do and it’s the perfect way for us to recognize them for all that they are doing for us.”

Laufenberg, student body president, is confident most people support the troops and want to provide them something they really need. “Jeremy and I felt that we should do something, and that we were in the position to do so,” he said. “It may be a small effort, but every little bit counts. It’s the holiday season, why not do something nice?”