The generosity of four Mehlville School District schools recently was commended by the Oakville Elks Lodge No. 2726, the Oakville Ladies Auxiliary and the Marine Corps League, according to a district news release.

During a recent ceremony, Bernard Middle School, Beasley Elementary School, Hagemann Elementary School and Point Elementary School received a plaque and certificate of appreciation for the money and food items the schools collected for military families last November and December.

“It is always gratifying to see our students involved in service learning projects,” Bernard Middle School Principal Phil Milligan stated in the release. “Many of these soldiers have given up a substantial portion of their income to serve their country when called to active duty from the reserves. Our Bernard ‘Patriots’ were able to learn about service while supplying a need for this group of patriots.”

Through the donations of district students and staff, the Elks and the Marines provided gift cards and food baskets to families of Marines deployed during the holiday season, serving 45 military families in the area.