Students in Rock Hill Schools special education classes have some new art supplies and some new friends to thank for this.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8850 in Ironton recently donated approximately $400 in paint supplies, scissors, glue and other items to the district's multi-disabilities

classes.

"We just do it to help out the kids," VFW House Committee member Paul Perry said.

Rock Hill Middle School multi-disabilities teacher Joe Bokovitz said the donation was unexpected and truly appreciated.

"We didn't even ask them for it. They just showed up one day and said they had this for us. It was out of the blue," Bokovitz said. "We really appreciate the fact they went out of their way to do this for us. And this is something we can actually use in the classroom."

The VFW will also have a Christmas party this week at the Open Door School in Ironton.

Perry said the veterans' organization has made it a point to take an active role in education in local schools, not only by donating supplies. but also by donating flags to fly at area school buildings and stepping up to speak to classes about patriotism, when asked.

The VFW also donates flags to local churches and lends various kinds of assistance to area veterans. The VFW honor guard also participates in numerous local events.