SEMINOLE, Fla. — A local nonprofit run by a Seminole High School senior packed up dozens of boxes to send to military members overseas.
The nonprofit Operation Military Matters was started by Graci Tubbs when she was in fourth grade. She got the idea to send boxes to military members after hearing veterans speak at her school.
Now nine years later as a senior in high school, Tubbs continues to send boxes every Veterans Day. With the help from family, friends and classmates, Operation Military Matters has sent over 10,000 boxes to military members.
Both of Tubbs' grandfathers served and she feels this is a way to honor those who are fighting for our country.
This Veterans Day, volunteers packed 53 boxes for military members. In the boxes are cards, food and other necessities.
Helping pack boxes was a brave hero who has served our country for decades. Technical Sergeant William Lawson, who serves in the Air Force, said he was serving overseas in Qatar when he received a box.
Lawson explained opening it when he was so far from loved ones was really special.
"It was very helpful and caring. That was the beginning of COVID. Certainly got me through. In that box was a teddy bear that I still have to this day. It helped me come home safely," Lawson said.
Anyone who wants to donate to help Operation Military Matters can find information online.