What better way to start the holiday season than to help those in need? A group of students at UTM has done just that.

The Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) worked to provide school supplies for children in Iraq as part of the “Operation Iraqi Children Program.” Along with the help of students, monetary donations as well as school supplies were collected during the past couple of weeks.

Many UTM students participated in dropping off school supplies and other donations outside the UC cafeteria on Nov. 16-17, while many local businesses throughout the surrounding counties also aided in making this project a huge success.

Tina Edwards, a senior Elementary Education major from Union City, spent many days visiting business owners and asking for their help on this campaign. When asked about the success of the program, Edwards said, “I feel that this is a very worthy cause. It is essential for all students to receive a proper education no matter what their background may be. I was very proud to be able to participate in something so beneficial to children.”

Like members of STEA, many American soldiers have taken it upon themselves to reconstruct schools and gather learning tools for the Iraqi children. “Operation Iraqi Children,” according to its Web site, is a grass-roots program that provides concerned Americans with the means to reach out to the Iraqi people and help support soldiers’ attempts to assist them.

If you are interested in participating in this program, donations are still needed. You can visit the Web site, www.operationiraqichildren.org, to find out about donations, how to build your own school supply kit, view pictures of workers in action, or just simply learn more about the cause.