Matthew Tolios, a Hooksett soldier stationed in the thick of the Iraq war, may be the envy of fellow soldiers when he gets a package including goodies like Twizzlers, cheese crackers and powdered Gatorade.

Those packages, along with cards and notes full of good wishes have been coming regularly, courtesy of a group of first-, second- and fifth-grade Manchester elementary school students who’ve shown impressive selflessness.

“We really like doing it,” said Manchester Green Acres Elementary School second grader Madison Lolicata. “They’re very brave.”

Second-grader Craig Preston, while filling a box to ship to Tolios, explained, “They’re fighting for our country.” The students’ efforts have been largely coordinated by second-grade teacher and Tolios’ cousin, Melissa Rivet, and Green Acres Assistant Principal Rachelle Moore.

Rivet said Tolios appreciates the packages – especially the powdered drinks, which help ease the consumption of often unbearably hot water.

“He loves it,” said Rivet. “He e-mails back and tries to send pictures of himself.”

Tolios, 19, grew up with his Hooksett family and graduated from Central High School in 2005.

He’s since gotten his basic training, was sent to a station in Germany, and was soon thereafter sent to the front lines in Baghdad, as a Private First Class in the Army’s First Infantry Division.

“Right now he’s at a camp in Baghdad,” said Tolios’ mother, Patty. “He’s right on the grounds of one of Saddam (Hussein’s) palaces.”

Patty said her son has always had a flair for adventure, and may at some point like to become a firefighter. But the Army has been a longtime dream for Tolios.

“He says he remembers wanting to join as early as seventh grade,” said Patty.

Patty said the care packages from the school have provided enjoyment for Tolios and his platoon mates, and said her son is one of many soldiers who have great hope for the war efforts.

“He sees hope there,” she said. “Less than two weeks ago, he said, ‘Mom, if we weren’t here, the good people in Iraq would be trampled over.’”