Where would this nation be without our veterans? A group of volunteers want them to know that they’re appreciated for their service to the country.

Members of Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, and students from Southside High School, gathered Friday inside Southside’s library to donate a basket and bags of personal hygiene items to be sent to veterans in Montgomery.

Volunteer coordinator for Selma-Dallas County Evelyn Cox, who asked Southside to partner with her efforts, said she was pleased to see students get involved.

“Our veterans are forgotten so many times and it’s an asset to them to show they’re valued,” Cox said. “I’d like to thank Southside faculty, staff, principal (Clarence Jackson) and staff for taking this time to help in the project … show a little love and appreciation for veterans and their sacrifice …”

Filled with over 200 hygiene items and wrapped in the colors red, white and blue, Southside teacher Wanda Tyler said the entire student body pitched in to donate one item to the large basket. Students also gave monetary donations.

Tyler said Cox approached her with the idea sometime last year.

“I thought it was a great idea for schools and organizations,” Tyler said. “I thought we could do it as a school; we displayed the basket in the cafeteria Thursday. I thought it brought about a sense of school pride … I’m glad Mrs. Cox invited us.”

Cox said many of her volunteers can be seen throughout the area.

“There’s some at city hall, Selma Interpretive Center, Selma Welcome Center,” Cox said. “Mayor George Evans is very supportive of RSVP in Selma and Dallas County.”

In conjunction with King’s principle of service, Cox and volunteers will take the donated items to the Montgomery VA Medical Center Monday.

“As John Francis Kennedy stated, ‘ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,’” Cox said. “I have a passion for serving.”

Students at Selma High School also gave donations.