Timberwood students contribute to Cards for Troops program

From left: Timberwood Middle School Student Council members Tanner Perry and Chloe Lang, teacher Lynn Sibley, U.S. Rep. Ted Poe and TMS cheerleaders Brooke Hatch and Kelci Beach with cards collected for troops.

United States Rep. Ted Poe picked up some Christmas cheer for troops overseas from Timberwood Middle School students, according to a news release.

Timberwood students and staff had 1,875 cards ready for the Kingwood Democrat when he visited the school as part of the Cards for Troops program.

Signed cards were illustrated with messages of gratitude for to those serving abroad, then collected and placed into envelopes under the direction of teacher Lynn Sibley, who originated the program at the school.

Cards for Troops is a local program coordinated by Poe's office with the help of community schools and organizations. Once cards are collected, Poe's office prepares them for mailing, and sometimes the congressman delivers the mail personally during trips overseas, the news release states.

It has proven popular among service members abroad at holiday season away from their families, according to the release, and some cards are included in care packages for the service members.

"My daughter serves in the United States Army and I wanted to show our troops we are thinking of them during the holiday season," Sibley said in the release. "I believe this is a way to show our support and let these brave Americans know we support and appreciate all they do for us at home."