Packages support overseas troops

Five boxes, each filled with 10 pounds of candy, trail mix, beef jerky, microwave popcorn and other treats were shipped recently to U.S. military serving in Afghanistan, Turkey, Japan and Qatar.

The troops can thank Isidore House at Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School in Elgin for their good fortune.

Made up of 15 students from seventh through 12th grades, the house is one of four created at the school to encourage faith, service and fellowship. House adviser and English teacher Peggy Payne helped lead support for the troops, inspired in part by the experience of her son, Kix, who served in the Air Force four years and now is in the military reserves.

"I know how much he appreciated getting a box from home," Payne said. "It’s good for (troops) to know people are thinking about them."