WEST MILFORD Richard Dygos, a Macopin Middle School teacher, ran a program called “Operation Thank You” for the second consecutive year to help bring holiday cheer to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He sent out memos to the Macopin School faculty asking for donations for local area soldiers bravely serving overseas. Items on the donation list were things like toiletries, snack foods, gum and recreational equipment. The donations filled 29 boxes, which were brought to the West Milford Elks Lodge #2236. The Elks donated both time and money to ship the boxes to the soldiers. “My objective for this project was to help bring a smile to the soldier’s face during the holiday season. The generous hearts of Macopin School faculty and students, Macopin School parents, Mrs. Fran Sarnella, Joann Ventolo, Officer Laura Paul and the West Milford Elks Lodge #2236 exceeded my expectations.”