[Update 11-10]

Legacy Student Media received 726 beanie babies during Nov. 2- 6 in result of a drive to benefit the troops in Iraq. The beanie babies went home with senior Caroline Paleschic who plans to send them to the organization, Operation Gratitude, sometime before December 1.

“It’s weird having all these beanie babies in my house,” Paleschic said. “But it’s nice that we ended up with so many.”

Though the contest for the free yearbook ended on the sixth, Paleschic will personally accept any other donations dropped off at the journalism room.

“I never expected such a great turn out,” Journalism teacher Leland Mallett said. “Legacy’s such a great school; everyone here always amazes me by their generosity.”

Because the prize pertained to students, Jordan Lass won a free yearbook for bringing in 77 beanie babies. But BCIS teacher, Dionne Harris, brought in over 100 beanies babies and Webkins combined.

“I decided to give her a free yearbook too,” Mr. Mallett said, “just because she’s awesome.”

After reading about the beanie baby drive online, Mrs. Harris decided to ask her mother if she would be willing to contribute her beloved collectables to the cause.

“She wanted to keep them,” Mrs. Harris said, “but she knew if they could help save a soldier’s life it would be better than them sitting under the stairs. It was just a more worthy cause.”

When Mrs. Harris decided to give her children’s Webkins away, they didn’t understand why. She tried to explain to them what a roadside bomb was and what the troops were doing in Iraq.

“To help save a solder’s life by just giving a stuffed animal,” Mrs. Harris said, “well I don’t see why anybody wouldn’t want to do that.”

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Beanie Babies  sit packed away in attics, worn from years of play. Over the years, they lose their charm, but a small toy has the power to save a soldier.

The Student Media Department plans to host a collection from Nov. 2-6 to donate Beanie Babies  to the troops in Iraq . The troops give the stuffed animals to Iraqi children as a way to initiate friendship, but it has also been helpful in locating roadside bombs.

“Legacy’s known for charity work and fundraising,” Student Media Adviser Leland Mallett said.  “I wanted my students to help with a good project.”

In respect of Veterans Day, LBTV and The Rider staffs have started stories and videos recognizing vets in the community. Photographer Caroline Paleschic came up with the Beanie Baby fundraiser after her mom got involved with the operation in a Mother’s of Marine’s group on Facebook.

“I’m pretty proud and excited my idea is evolving in to something this big,” Paleschic said. “It’s cool how journalism can get involved with charity too.”

In response to the charity organization, Operation Gratitude , the Mother’s of Marine’s group decided to send care packages overseas for the troops in Iraq. Paleschic’s mother, Emily Paleschic, has received response from a marine showing appreciate for these gifts.

“I live with 17 marines and sailors in one room. Everyone got a package and loved it especially the cookies and beanie babies,” one marine said in an e-mail. “The cookies are excellent and the beanie babies help us out a lot with the local kids. We give them candy and toys and they give us the location for IED’s  (roadside bombs).”