They did that and more, according to their teacher, Holly Davenport.

"Three of my students created 20 beautiful handmade red, white and blue tree ornaments that were sent to soldiers through the American Angels program," Davenport said. "They were surprised and touched to get back a personal thank you note from one of the soldiers."

The thank you letter was from Captain Tony May and said in part, "You have picked up my spirits and have made a difference for me today, and I am half a world away in a war on foreign soil. Continue to be a positive influence, and continue to make a difference for others as you did for me."

"Our staff believe it's important for youth to see how they can touch the lives of other people," said Chris Peterson, acting director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "This was a wonderful volunteer experience for these girls."

American Angels is a grass-roots group that supports all branches of the military and their families through crafts and care packages. Davenport worked through Lois Bowen of Puluski, New York, who organized sending hundreds of Christmas trees and ornaments to troops serving overseas.

"We've used this opportunity as a geography lesson, learning just where Iraq and Camp Anaconda are located," Davenport said. "In their English class, the girls are working now on a response to Captain May."

Make a Difference Day takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. In 2005, three million people accomplished thousands of projects in hundreds of towns by volunteering on that day.

The YRTC-Geneva is part of HHS and serves approximately 107 females at any point in time. It is accredited by the American Correctional Association as a juvenile correctional facility.

Note: Here is the full text of the soldier's note:

Dear Holly,

Today is November 25, 2006. Much to my surprise I received a Christmas tree and ornaments in the mail today. What a pleasant surprise that was. I am not sure if the young people who made the ornament you sent are aware of just how difficult it is to be so far away from home, in harm's way, and away from everyone you love. We watch the news from back home and we realize that the support for the war that we are sacrificing so much for, that support is scarce and dwindling fast. At a time like today, just after Thanksgiving and when we should be home with our loved ones, our spirits are low. It is such a pick-me-up to realize that there are people back home who do care and who realize the sacrifice that we are asked to make.

Back home, I am an Assistant District Attorney. I am well aware of young people like the ones at your facility. To them I would say, you are cared for and you are loved. No one wants you to become a statistic and no one wants anything except the best for you. I know how it feels to be down and how you can sometimes feel so isolated and alone. You have picked up my spirits and have made a difference for me today, and I am half a world away in a war on foreign soil. Continue to be a positive influence, and continue to make a difference for others as you did for me. The rewards will come and so will the friendships.

God Bless and Thank You!

CPT Tony May

By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services