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NORTH ATTLEBORO - You might think that Camp Fallujah in Iraq is an unlikely place to find a Roosevelt Avenue School T-shirt.

But if you take a look at the bulletin board at the school, you'll find a picture of a 6-foot, 8-inch Marine proudly wearing a shirt bearing the school name and colors. That's because Roosevelt Avenue students have been sending letters and care packages - including T-shirts, in a children's size extra large - to soldiers stationed overseas.

"The kids have been thrilled. They love getting the letters back," Principal John Quinn said.

Students at the school said they know the soldiers appreciate the letters, too.

"I think it makes them super happy because people other than their friends and family care about them," fourth-grader Nick Morrison said. Fourth-grader Alison Mueller agreed, saying, "I think they're very happy to hear that fourth grade students are thinking of them and thankful for what they're doing for the country."

Quinn suggested sending Christmas cards to soldiers and was able to turn to one of the school's teachers for help with the idea.

Fourth grade teacher Brenda Henderson has a few connections in the military. Her husband and all four of her children have served.

One son is currently serving in Iraq, another returned from Iraq about a year ago and her daughter has been stationed in Afghanistan.

When Quinn proposed writing to soldiers, Henderson contacted her son, Major Nathan Henderson, to ask for addresses of his fellow soldiers who might like to receive cards from students. Armed with a list, students wrote letters and made Christmas cards for specific soldiers.

"I didn't give any directions to the kids except to say that these are people who will be spending Christmas away from their families," Henderson said. "Many of the students started their letters with 'Dear Brave Soldier.' They knew exactly the right sentiments to put into them."

Many students included personal stories - asking questions like whether the soldiers carry a gun "like Chewbacca," whether they like the Boston Red Sox or got special treats for Christmas dinner. They were thrilled when the soldiers wrote back and answered many of the questions.

Letters back from the Marines say they found the kids' letters well-written and interesting.

"It gave me the biggest thrill to read them and a lot of laughs. You are all smart and funny," wrote Lt. Col. Frank Mittag, adding that he found one disappointment among the stacks of letters - that the students are not fans of the New York Yankees or Giants.

"They liked them very much and put many of the cards up on a bulletin board in the office," Henderson said. "It's been a really positive experience." With Valentine's Day coming up, students are now busy with their crayons, markers and glue sticks making a new set of cards. They are also planning care packages that will include treats like candy and Chapstick as well.