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Two teachers at St. James Elementary School in Washington are teaming up to help local troops overseas. Nikki Sines, who teaches first grade, and Samantha Batterson, who teaches third grade, are encouraging their students to collect items to be mailed to the service men and women just before Christmas. They’re collecting a variety of things from non-perishable food to decks of playing cards or crossword puzzles. Sines said the hope is these packages will help them while they’re away from home during the holidays.

Batterson and Sines said the students are enjoying the project and doing their part to help the community. Items from the public are welcome and can be dropped off at St. James Elementary School or St. James Catholic Church.