It’s a little early to be talking Christmas but students at Greywolf Elementary are making sure their letters going halfway around the globe have plenty of time to arrive for the holidays.

For the third year, students drew and wrote words of encouragement to U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)/Battle Control Mission troops serving as ground support in Afghanistan.

This year, 117 students’ letters and artwork were distributed in 30 care packages including baked goods, snacks and personal items as part of Gardiner Community Church’s Boxing Day.

Diane Martin, mission coordinator for the church, said all of the recipients this time are based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

“The guys last year were so excited to get them,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing the kids are able to do them.”

In the past, the church has received thank you messages from different units for “helping to give hope for the season known for hope,” Martin said.

Care packages began in 2008 through volunteers serving as a memorial to Master Sgt. Scott McDaniel, an Air Force TACP, who died in 2008, and to Staff Sgt. Tim Davis, a member of the 23rd STS, who died in 2009 in Afghanistan.

Volunteers with the church boxed up the care packages on Nov. 8 and dedicated them on Nov. 9.

Greywolf School psychologist Cheryl McAliley organized the letters and artwork and said most of the grades participate in the annual event.

She said the church asked for cards thanking the troops and students and staff have found it a great thing to do.

“We always try to recognize veterans and Veterans Day,” McAliley said. “We want to spread cheer to others with this.” Shipments from the church go out every three months with the next care packages going out on Feb. 21.

The church has sent out 1,030 support packages since beginning. To donate to postage and supplies, send a donation or check to Gardiner Community Church, 1040 Old Gardiner Road, Sequim, WA 98382 with checks addressed to “Gardiner Community Church, c/o TACP.”