The office of professional and career development,OPCD, in the College of Business has been collecting donations for Hero Packs for the past three weeks.
Friday, Nov. 8, was the last collection of the donations for this year's Veteran's Day.
These Hero Packs consist of small toys, stuffed animals, school supplies and more.
They will be sent to children of deployed soldiers.
Courtney Arnold, administrative support assistant for the OPCD, said the OPCD does some type of soldier or veteran involvement, either for the families or for the veterans themselves every year in honor of Veteran's Day.
"It's just really important to us to become involved in the community outside of the college and donate to the children of any of the soldiers that are deployed," Arnold said. "We just want to help anyone that we can and this is a great way to go about it."
Items were collected in bins from the students and faculty in Lowder Hall Room 101.
The packs were then sent to two different posts that anonymously distributed the packs to toddlers all the way up to children in middle school.
Arnold said the OPCD plans to do this program every year.
"This is the first time that we've been involved in the program, but we have been told previously that it has been a great hit, and they absolutely enjoy receiving the gifts," said Arnold. "It brings happiness to them."
It is very important to the OPCD that Auburn's students are aware of the veterans and the sacrifices that they have made.
It tries its best to promote the veterans and keep the students engaged.
"We talk about it constantly, we keep the involvement around our college, we advertise, we keep our Facebook interactive, and we keep reminding them as much as possible," Arnold said. "Thankfully the students are very involved, appreciative, and enjoy this process."
Allison Williams, sophomore in supply chain management, was one of the students that donated.
"I think it's a sweet idea and it doesn't involve much effort to donate but could really make a difference to these kids," Williams said. "It can make them feel special."
Williams contributed small teddy bears, a coloring book and markers.
Williams said she plans to donate again next year and encouraged her friends to do the same.
"It speaks to me because people often forget how hard it must be for the families of people in the military," Williams said. "It is especially hard for young children who have to go long periods of time without seeing their moms or dads."
Catherine Young, sophomore in radio, tv, and film, read about the program through Auburn's weekly email.
Young said she was happy to contribute a few items for the Hero Packs, as well.
"I can't imagine how hard it must be having a parent overseas in the military," Young said. "This is a really great way to show our support for the kids."
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