SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Students at the University of Illinois in Springfield gathered Thursday to assemble care kits for active-duty military members.

The goal was to package 1,000 care kits, which were filled with fun items like crossword puzzles, fidget spinners and Slim Jims.

Organizers said the event was important for UIS students to know that they can turn negatives into positives.

"I think the most important thing is that we never forget that we can take something that is truly tragic and turn it into something positive that serves our community as well as our nation," said Connie Komnick, assistant director of the Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center at UIS.

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