Support Troops In Iraq

William Ryan, an eighth grade social studies teacher at Newtown Middle School, is heading a community drive for nonperishable food and other items for soldiers serving in Iraq.

 “I have a friend, Capt Marcus Ritter, serving in the 101st Airborne division,” Mr Ryan said. “He told me in a recent letter that mail and other types of public support have decreased since the [official] fighting stopped in May,” he said.

So far, the school has collected canned goods, nonpolitical magazines, and “reminders of home,” said Mr Ryan, including the latest CDs, pictures of American landscapes, and other items. The drive runs now through Friday, November 14. Mr Ryan said he plans to box the items himself and deliver them to Mr Ritter’s address. Mr Ritter, he said, will distribute the items throughout division — and beyond.

Deliveries can be dropped off in the Newtown Middle School lobby weekdays between 7 am and 2 pm. For more information, contact 426-7638 or email Mr Ryan at Ryanw@newtown.k12.ct.us.