Making a difference in the world isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but senior Kristina Herl has found a way to do just that. In a fundraising project called Reach Over Seas, Herl is raising money and collecting supplies to send supplies over to deployed soldiers.

“I’m doing this for a 4-H Citizenship Project, but it has become more than that,” Herl said.

Herl isn’t doing this alone. She has the assistance of Josh Witt, a deployed soldier in the Navy, and five other members from the rest of his crew to help her distribute the care packages.

“I met Josh at a family picnic over the Fourth of July,” Herl said. “We got to talking and then Reach Over Seas was created. Basically, we’re trying to send care packages to about 100 servicemen.”

Herl said she isn’t limited to just those men.

“People can call me and request a soldier from elsewhere to receive a care packages,” Herl said. “In these care packages, there could be anything from snacks, hygiene items, socks, clothing, and card games. We just want people to donate as much supplies and money as possible for these soldiers.”

To collect even more money, Herl also fundraises through bake sales and selling items.

“About two to three weeks ago, I sold cheesecakes, brownies, cakes, cookies and bunuelos,” Herl said. “Right now, I am selling yellow ribbon key chains for a dollar.”

For more information or to make donations, people can contact Herl at (785)259-3840 or visit the Reach Over Seas Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ROCtroopsupport.

“Just support our troops,” Herl said. “They give us a lot and we just need to give back.”

16nvuong@usd489.com