Read the following passage:
The Herrera family was having a discussion. Cousin Flora was a soldier serving overseas, and the family wanted to let her know they were thinking of her. They were already sending a weekly email that updated Flora on family news, but they wanted to do more.
Dorinda asked if Flora could receive regular mail. “I love to get cards and packages in the mail, and I bet Flora would love to get mail, too!” Dorinda said excitedly.
Mrs. Herrera answered that they could mail things to Flora. “In fact, we could put together a box of things that would remind Flora of home. Boxes like that are called care packages,” Mrs. Herrera added.
“What kinds of things could we put in the box?” asked Matias. “We should put in things that she can’t get over there. We want to fill the box with great things so she knows that we care.”
Mr. Herrera suggested they look online for ideas, and they found a Web site that listed items often included in care packages for soldiers.
“When Flora gets this package, she will be as happy as a lark!” Dorinda exclaimed. “I can’t wait to buy things
Matias was quiet for a minute, and then he said, “I think that other soldiers would enjoy care packages,
too. Could we send packages to lots of soldiers?
Mrs. Herrera told Matias that she liked the idea, but sending many care packages would be expensive. Matias wilted in defeat, but after a few minutes he became excited again. He suggested they tell other families in
the neighborhood about their idea. Maybe other families would be able to send a care package to a soldier, and then lots of soldiers would know people care about them.
Mr. Herrera hugged his son and praised his idea. Just then Dorinda had a concern that struck like a bolt of lightning. How would they get the names and addresses of other soldiers? They decided to ask Flora for the names of some other soldiers serving with her.
The family spent the rest of the afternoon working on the plan. Mr. Herrera and Dorinda made fliers explaining their project. They printed the fliers and handed them to their neighbors. Mrs. Herrera and Matias made a list of
the items they wanted to put in Flora’s care package, and then they emailed her to ask for the names of the soldiers serving with her. The next day, the family went shopping for items, and when they got home, they put Flora’spackage together and mailed it.
A few weeks went by. One afternoon, Mr. Herrera opened an email from Flora that said she had received the care package. “Thanks so much for the hug in a box,” wrote Flora. “I cannot thank you enough for your affection.
These reminders of home really brightened my day, and some of my fellow soldiers have received packages from your kind neighbors, as well. Thank you for all that you have done!”