2007 Operation Share project
 

 

Partners with Cooper H.S.
Shoebox Smiles

 

These are some of the students from Cooper High School in New Hope, MN who collected and packaged Shoebox Smile boxes as their contribution to the Qwest Pioneer 2007 Operation Share Project. 
Just as the Qwest Pioneers sent 130 Share Stocking to military units in Iraq and recuperating soldiers in Germany, the Shoebox Smiles were sent to Jessica Gaulke-Chayer for disbursement to soldiers in her unit which is serving in Iraq. 

Jessica, who is a graduate of Cooper High School, was the 2006 Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen.  Rather than take a one year deferment, she chose to give up her crown, after reigning only a few months, so she could serve with her National Guard unit in Iraq,

The Cooper High School students also partnered with Qwest Pioneers last year on the Operation Share project. At the request of the parents of another graduate of Cooper, they collected goodies for the soldiers in the unit of, Scott Modeen USMC who was killed in action. 

     
 
Debbie Cranston (L) and Carol Zaudke, Cooper teachers who coordinated the Shoebox Smile Collection with the Pioneer Operation Share collection   T- Shirts for the Troops
Cooper High School Student Council Presidents who lead the Shoebox Smile collection in their respective grades. Eighty-seven Shoebox Smile boxes containing special goodies for the troops were collected by the students.  
     
The school staff was very appreciative that they could partner with Qwest Pioneer’s Operation Share program. I received many “Thank Yous” from the principal, vice principal, teachers, staff and students. Certainly one of my favorite experiences with the Pioneers! - Gary Greb  
    Debbie Cranston & Gary Greb