Anchored 4 Life has recently launched an outreach project dedicated to sending care packages to single sailors when they return from deployment on the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier.
These packages are sent to sailors in hopes to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity of life outside of deployment, especially during the holidays. The kit will consist of hygiene products, packaged food and beverages, as well as cards and games for entertainment.
Sophomore Savannah Manzi started the project.
Anchored 4 Life values their positive impact on the school’s military community and is reaching out beyond Ocean Lakes. They are currently connecting with other high schools, such as Bayside and Kempsville, and plan to connect with elementary schools as well.
The organization aims to bring a sense of belonging to military students when transitioning to a new environment and help reduce the stress of those changes by providing support.
In the past year, Anchored 4 Life has grown significantly from 73 to 90 members.
After a few years of lacking active participation in the community, junior and club president Alexander Coats has made it his mission to make Anchored 4 Life a “bigger and better” organization.
“I feel that we are currently in a good place,” Alexander said. “We have a good amount of people and our team squared away. However, there is always room for more people.”
This school year, Anchored 4 Life plans to get involved in Ronald McDonald, Operation Smile, PTSA events and other service projects. The club continues to work hard on getting involved in the military community, as well as with our school’s community.
“Ocean Lakes is a place that gives students a sense of community. It’s perfect for military connected students that long for a place where they can find somewhere to feel like home,” Principal Dr. Leslie Ittner said. “Within a short few weeks being at Ocean Lakes, it brought me that community feel.”
