Every year when Christmas time rolls around people throughout the world try to give a helping hand to others in need.

Believe it or not, the Arrowhead staff members and teachers don’t only help their students year round, but many take part in various charity activities and volunteer projects. Whether it is donating old clothes and toys to goodwill, donating time at soup kitchens, or donating money to charity; Christmas is definitely a time for giving.

Ron Riechle is one of these magnificent teachers who give a helping hand to Arrowhead students in the armed forces. Mr. Reichle, a social studies teacher here at Arrowhead, recently started a service program that sends packages to Arrowhead graduates that have gone into the armed forces. The graduating class of 2008 was the first class with students who have received care packages. The students going into the armed forces from the graduating class of 2008 include: Chris Richardson(army), Lauren Hebbel(marines), Tim Budda(marines), Brandon Fugate(air force), Doug Lund(army reserve), Ryan Hilgendorf(naval academy), and Alicia Draves(army reserves).

The packages consist of everyday items from deodorant to shampoo. Reichle has also collected candy, books, and other items to send to the students. So far, only teachers have taken part in collecting items to send . “Sending these packages is a small way of giving back to former students and letting them know we are thinking about them and admire what they have done,” said Reichle. “Hopefully this is something that we will continue to do every year.”

So far, only one package to have been sent to Tim Budda. But, more are planned to be sent out in May or April of 2009.