After months living in Afghanistan, many of them in a mud hut, Lt. Nick Francona and his fellow Marines were always glad to receive food and toiletries from friends and family in the United States.

"It always made everyone smile when we got a package from back home," Francona told Liberty Elementary School students gathered in the gymnasium last week.

Francona, who served as a Scout Sniper Platoon Commander, joined the students as part of their "Making a Difference" month the day before they left for Thanksgiving weekend. The event was put together by Hugs for Heroes, an all-volunteer organization based in Dover that supports the troops by sending care packages overseas.

Liberty students prepared packages for soldiers this month as part of "Making a Difference." Francona told the children how gross meals ready to eat (MREs) can be and said "it's very nice to get treats from home," including non-food items such as baby wipes (there are often no showers available), Q-tips and foot powder.

"There are lots of ways to make a difference," said Francona, who is the son of former Red Sox mananger Terry Francona. Francona wanted to become a professional baseball player, he said, but that an injury made him think of another way to contribute and he joined the Marines.

Francona showed the students pictures from Afghanistan, including of his fellow soldiers, weapons they used, a helicopter and a poppy field. He explained that it is extremely hot during the summer and just as cold in the desert during the winter.