Project Gearbox Prepares Boxes for Soldiers

Project Gearbox was created by Mrs. Barger’s lab two years ago when her students expressed their concern for deployed soldiers.   Last year, the Parkway North community donated almost 150 boxes full of necessities to US soldiers through Project Gearbox. 

“We are collecting care package items all year from teachers, students, and community organizations,” said sponsor Megan McCorkle, “Mrs. Babitz in the guidance office donated boxes from her temple.”

Currently Project Gearbox is looking for donated school supplies for a Sargent who needs school supplies for children who need them.

Project Gearbox meets monthly in Mrs. Barger’s room.  They have 7 or 8 regular members, but anyone is welcome and encouraged to come to their meetings to help.  A student can easily attain government service hours or community service hours for coming to project gearbox meetings.

“We plan to get more people involved by asking for donations and promoting our club as we do so,” said senior Taylor Jay, who is an original member.

Project Gearbox meetings usually consist of packaging and organizing donated goods.  The students also talk about how to get more donated items and people involved in their club. 

 The boxes Project Gearbox and the supplies inside, usually including basic necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste, beef jerky, bug spray, and entertainment items donated by the community help soldiers daily.  Students can also write letters to soldiers to thank them for their service.

“Paying it forward, no matter how large or small the contribution, benefits everyone involved,” Jay said.   

In the future, project gearbox plans on doing promotional fundraisers by giving out special items, like autographed rams pictures, to people who donate the most items to Project Gearbox.

“I like contributing to soldiers overseas because I respect them so much,” Jay said, “It’s a good time to spend after school and get involved.”

by Mary-Kate Mudd