School supplies traveled 7,800 miles from New York to Afghanistan after students from Windsor Central High School collected more than 70 boxes for the children and teachers overseas.

The simple project was dreamed up by a teacher at the school, now deployed in Afghanistan, who understands that basic school supplies might have the potential to influence a child to become a doctor, lawyer, or teacher.

His fellow teachers at the school, located 70 miles south of Syracuse, first learned of the need for basic school supplies after receiving a request from Andrew Brechko, who is now an intelligence analyst with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed with the New York Army National Guard.

"I made a poster here in Afghanistan and I sent it back to my school," said Brechko, who is stationed in the Spin Boldak area of the country.

Along with pencils and paper, students in the school district also received 30 new backpacks purchased by the Future Business Leaders of America, a club at Windsor Central High.

"The students packing the boxes were taught how appreciative they should be," Brechko said. "The difference between a student in the U.S. and a student in Afghanistan is how much a little item they take for granted could mean the world for another."

"I wanted the students at Windsor Central High School to gain some perspective as to how lucky they are."

Source: Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon, 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment