CAMDEN — Beth York, of Belfast, teaches fifth and sixth grade at the Camden Rockport Middle School. Through Facebook she was speaking with a former high school classmate in South Carolina. Her friend was upset with the fact that her son, PFC Benjamin Hughes, who was stationed in Afghanistan, would be spending his first Christmas ever away from his family.

Beth thought she had a way to help.

“We were just beginning to work on writing letters,” said Beth. “So, I thought it would be a wonderful way to start by us all writing letters and sending a care package to PFC Hughes in Afghanistan. He’s 19 and a little homesick. He wishes he could be home for Christmas.”

The student’s letters will contain their name, grade and school. They can then write about their favorite subjects and hobbies. They are to include a Christmas tradition that their family observes and they end by thanking the soldier for serving his country. The care package will also contain a T-shirt with the word “Maine” emblazoned on it.

Beth has been a teacher for 32 years and has been with the middle school for the past 12 years.

Participating students are Kasey Emery, Faith Dudley, Montana Edwards, Caden Reed, Jacob Clement, Ethan Andrus, Alana Mahoney, Josh Saucier and Havara Lyman. Jessica Smith, South Thomaston, is the educational technician.